Sydney Ann Bowen

Sydney Ann Bowen

December 22, 1936 - April 15, 2025 (Age 88)

If you need evidence of God’s ability to craft a perfect plan, you need look no further than the life of Syd Bowen. She displayed all that is good in this world to those who knew and loved her, but also to perfect strangers. Sydney Anne Bowen, 88, passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. She was born December 22, 1936, and raised by her mother, Cecile Shields, in New Orleans and Augusta, Georgia.

Sydney trained in classical ballet from the time she could walk and excelled in many forms of dance as she rose to the rank of soloist in her company. She could pivot from portraying a comedic firebrand to a sultry temptress with the mere change of a costume, and she won rave reviews for her performances. It was during one of those performances that she caught the eye of a young soldier who would become her husband for over 65 years.

Together, they raised five children and made their mark wherever they settled. They started their lives together as a traveling comedy duo, “Cyd and Chuck”. They performed all over Georgia and eventually settled in Athens by way of Columbus. Syd opened the very successful Athens School of Ballet, where she nurtured hundreds of young, starry-eyed dancers. The school grew into the Athens Ballet Theater, which performed many classical ballets under Syd’s guidance with the help of numerous nationally known guest Artistic Directors. She continued to stay in touch with many of her dancers throughout her lifetime, who affectionately referred to her as “Ms. Syd”.

After returning to Chuck’s hometown of Pelham, Georgia, Syd stayed active in the local arts community and also worked for the Board of Education until her retirement. The entire town came to love Syd as she worked with her husband for many years organizing the “Empty Stocking Fund” at Christmas to collect and distribute toys to needy families.

Syd’s children, three daughters and two sons, grew up with a mother who loved life, loved her children, and loved practical jokes. There were pepper-filled homemade popsicles on April Fool’s Day, costumed pickups at the airport (picture a waiting room filled with ‘hillbillies’ upon your return from New York), and even the instance where she and her best friend donned wigs and outrageous outfits to meet their husbands at a local restaurant. Syd spread love and cheer to everyone throughout her life.

She eventually moved to Moultrie, Georgia, and lived on the property of her youngest son and his wife, Michelle, who became Syd’s loving, unselfish, and self-sacrificing caregiver through Syd’s final years. In true fashion, Syd was known to personally pick up pinecones in the yard to help “tidy up” their several acres of land, and she waited for the trash collectors each week so she could slip them any cash she happened to have on hand as a tip for their hard work. The world was certainly a better place because of Syd Bowen, and she will be missed terribly by everyone she touched.

She is survived by her children, Leslie Hodges (Bobby Hodges), Lisa Stephens (Gary), Lari Lavigne (Patrick), Charles “Bo” Bowen, and Brad Bowen (Michelle). She is also survived by her thirteen grandchildren: Raina Miranda (Elijah) Chelsea Carvin (Adam), Peyton Hodges, Benji Goldman, Brannen Goldman (Amber), Tyler Lavigne, Alayna Bowen, Alexandra Bowen, Braden Bowen, Christian Bowen, Hudson Bowen, Preston Bowen, and Bailey Bowen, and eight great grandchildren. We love you, Mom, and we know Dad is waiting for you in heaven with open arms.

In addition to her mother, Syd was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Charles “Chuck” Bowen, who passed in April of 2021.

We are deeply grateful for the love and support so many provided for Syd and the family during this difficult time. All of the kind words and fond memories of Syd have brought us tremendous comfort and strength. We offer a special thank-you to her church family at Heritage and the

medical and hospice community for loving her so well in her final season of life. She will be in our hearts and prayers forever.

There will be a graveside service on Saturday, April 19, at 10:00 AM at the Pinecrest Cemetery, 3469 Hwy 19, Pelham, Georgia 31779. It is open to anyone who would like to attend. The family will also be gathering at the home of Bobby & Leslie Hodges at 331 Burum Street SW in Pelham at 1 PM for anyone who would like to come by.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for memorial contributions to be made to the Heritage Church Storehouse in Moultrie, Georgia, one of Syd’s favorite places to shop, with all proceeds going toward global missions. To contribute, visit heritagelife.org/give and select Storehouse from the drop-down menu.