Milton Wycliffe Bowen

Milton W. Bowen was born September 30, 1923, was raised on the then British colony of Barbados, and was a lifelong Seventh – day Adventist. He immigrated to the United States in 1954, eventually settling in Syracuse New York.  At Mt. Carmel SDA Church he met and married his lovely wife of 50 years, Netta Moncur Bowen.  Netta was a newly degreed registered nurse who often said, “I wasn’t interested in a romantic relationship, but Cliffe won me over with his love of the Lord and his kindness.”

Daughter, Portia Althea, was born in 1967, and son Cliff joined the family in 1970. Together they took the admonition to “train up a child.…” seriously. They firmly believed that the dividends of a Christian education far exceeded the cost.  Both of their children completed all of their primary and secondary education in church schools. Cliff attended Columbia Union College and Portia followed in her mother’s footsteps with a degree in nursing from Oakwood (College) University.

Milton was employed in Facilities Management at Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, where he retired prior to moving to Orlando in 1992.   In addition to his work and family commitments, Milton always made time for both personal devotion and public ministry. He has served as an Elder, Bible worker, Revelation Seminar speaker, CHIPs instructor, and other offices on the local level.  Many esteemed leaders of the Seventh day Adventist church were fortunate to break bread at Milton and Netta’s table while visiting either Syracuse or later, Orlando. One of his greatest enjoyments was sharing delicious, healthy meals and teaching the benefits of the Health Message and vegetarian (vegan) diets.

After retiring to Orlando, Bro. Bowen joined Mt. Sinai SDA Church under the leadership of Pastor Benjamin Browne.  He was a member of the Elders Board, Sabbath School, Health Ministries, and he sang in the Male Chorus, just to mention a few.  He served faithfully.  In later years, when Elder Bowen was unable to minister outside of his home, he still found ways to share his love of Jesus. He mentored young people, conducted small vegan cooking classes, supported 3ABN, and provided Godly counsel to young husbands and fathers.

He said, “Good Night” on September 22, 2019.

To cherish his memories he leaves:  his loving wife,  Netta;  daughter,  Portia Bowen-Allen (Steve) Apopka, FL;  son,  Cliff Bowen (Philantha) Clinton, MD; adopted daughter, Dina June James Orlando, FL; grandchildren,  Stetia Allen, Stetiana Allen, Steven Allen, Tatiana Carson-Allen, Thomas Carson-Allen , Tirian Allen, Kennedy Bowen, Jasmine Bowen, Malia Bowen;  sisters-in-law,  Dr. Althea McMillian (Dr. Wendell McMillian) Huntsville, AL  and Miriam Smith Oneida NY;  and a host of nieces and nephews and friends across the US and Caribbean.

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