Joyce Martin Bowen, age 82, peacefully passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born on August 29, 1943, in Edinburgh, Scotland, she was the only child of the late James Graham Martin and the late Rebecca Louden Martin. The three of them emigrated from Scotland to Montreal, Canada, when Joyce was nine years old and then to Springfield, MA, when she was 15.

Joyce graduated from high school at the young age of 16 because the Canadian and U.S. school systems did not align. She went on to attend Westfield State University in Westfield, MA, with a goal to because a teacher. It was at Westfield where she met the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Bowen, to whom she was married for over 61 years.

In 1964, Joyce graduated from college, became a naturalized citizen, and married Bob on August 22.  Joyce and Bob initially lived in upstate New York where their first son, Christopher Bowen, was born. Subsequently, they relocated to the Tidewater region of Virginia, where their second son, David Bowen, was born. The Bowen family then moved to Waynesboro, VA, where their third son, Andrew Bowen, was born and where they have called home for over 50 years.

While In Waynesboro, Joyce worked as a teacher at Bethany Lutheran Preschool and William Perry Elementary School before retiring from the Waynesboro Public School System.

Joyce was an outgoing soul that never met a stranger. She loved and lived for her family and six grandchildren who called her "Mimi."  Family gatherings and time spent with friends and family at Smith Mountain Lake were dear to her heart. She had an extensive group of friends and cherished her time with the community at First Baptist Church in Waynesboro. While she lost her parents at an early age and her cancer battle started in her early 30s, positivity surrounded Joyce in all phases of her life. She set a great example of a wonderful marriage. Though she did not have any daughters, she treated her daughters-in-law as her own. Her strong faith in God gave her courage, gratitude, hope, and finally, peace.

Survivors include her husband, Bob Bowen; son Christopher Bowen and wife Lisa; son David Bowen and wife Stacey; son Andrew Bowen and wife Mary Beth; and grandchildren Robert "Bobby" Bowen, Joseph Bowen, Everett Bowen, Wyatt Bowen, Mia Bowen, and Graham Bowen.

A celebration of life service will be conducted at 11:00 AM, on Monday March 16, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Waynesboro, VA, with a reception following in the fellowship hall.  The reverend Justin Moser will be officiating.