GWENDOLYN BOWDEN- BLACK

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Our Mother, who left this world on March 1, 2026, at the age of 67. Born on July 10, 1958, in Portsmouth, Virginia, Our Mother was a beacon of love and compassion, whose presence touched the lives of everyone she encountered. Daughter of the late Elaine Melinda Burns Bowden and Allen Bowden Sr., she was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ronald Black, and cherished family members including her bonus mom, Joan Aldridge. The loss of her brothers Winfred T. Elliott and Ronney Elliott, niece Armincie Elliott, and son Michael Gordon, among others, was felt deeply by her. Yet through it all, she remained a pillar of strength for her family. Our Mother is survived by her devoted partner of over 25 years, Michael Brown, who brought laughter and joy to her life. She leaves behind her three beautiful daughters: Darnetta Riddick (Michael Riddick), Latoya Black, and Shacoa Black, who were the light of her world. Her family extended beyond blood, including bonus daughters Karen Dawson and Debra Segura (Mack Segura), and bonus sons Laquan White (Shawnkeska White), Kelvin White, and Melvin White, all of whom she loved as her own. She was the cherished grandmother of nine grandchildren: Angel Bowden, Asia Jones, Ashley Jones Wallace (Detwon Wallace), Diamond Black, Kamare' Smith-Black, Jya'lin Brown, Jurnee Brown, Tayv'on Black, and Lu'vyn Black-Gordon. Her legacy continues in her six great-grandchildren: Ash'lynn Artis-Black, Kamare' Smith-Black Jr., Analeia Mizell, Tru-Amir Wallace, Jaiden Brown, and Kylo Bailey, each of whom brought her immense joy. Our Mother was the beloved sibling of Reginald Elliott, Celestine Elliott, Cornell Elliott (Delores), Darlene Little (Jerry), Allen Bowden, Stephanie Holloman, Duwane Bowden (Faith), Denise Haile (George), and Roderick Bowden (Arteaka). Her family also included a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as her dearest friends Iris Sendejo, Bobbie Mason, Lisa Frank, Anthony Burwell, Emery Trotter, her goddaughters, and her cherished fur babies, Benji and Sassy Black. A graduate of Manor High School and Kee's Business College, Our Mother dedicated her career to caring for others as a CNA and Med Tech. Her unwavering faith was nurtured at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia, where she found community and solace. Our Mother was known for her spunk and humor, always the life of the party, especially when surrounded by her grandchildren. Her home was a sanctuary for many, providing comfort and a listening ear to those in need. She was fiercely protective of her family, always ready with a Pepsi, Newport, or a plate of liver, rice, and cabbage. Her love was limitless and her spirit unyielding, even when she was wrong, she was right—her wisdom, unmatched. Services to celebrate the life of Our Mother will be held on March 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Metropolitan Funeral Home, 5605 Portsmouth Blvd. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream will be available at www.metropolitanfuneralservices.com. Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her eldest niece, Audrea Elliott-Johnson, and granddaughter Ashley Jones Wallace. Your unwavering presence and care during her final days provided comfort beyond measure. The love you showed will forever be etched in our hearts. In the words of her three girls, "A gift from God was our Mother's love." Though she is no longer with us, her love endures in our hearts, a testament to a life well-lived and a love that was truly heaven-sent. May she rest in eternal peace.