Yvette Bowens

Yvette Ray Bowens, a loving and devoted Mother, Daughter, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Niece, Cousin, Friend and Neighbor was born on June 24, 1948 in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Owen Ray Sr. and the late Rose Augusta Ray. She was the second oldest of five children. She was baptized at St. Monica Catholic Church as a child and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, remaining faithful to God throughout her life. She was a devout member of St. Raymond and St. Leo the Great Church.

Yvette received her education from St. Monica Catholic School and Samuel J. Green Middle School and is a 1966 graduate of The Walter L. Cohen Senior High School. After high school, she attended Delgado Community College.

She later married and to those unions were born her three beloved children: Joseph Foster Jr., Makisha Lawrence and Erica Bowens. Yvette retired many years ago from the State of Louisiana.

After retirement, she stayed active, working part-time at the Superdome and for the United States Census, and more recently she provided home-care assistance for her neighbor and friend. Yvette was a joy to be around and always kept a smile on her face. She was rarely upset and never had an unkind word for anyone. She never met a stranger and everyone she encountered was blessed by her presence.

Yvette loved all things New Orleans. Mardi Gras was her favorite holiday. She was the person you knew would be at every parade, rain, sleet, snow or shine. She was an avid Saints fan and a die-hard Pelicans fan and was a season ticket holder for both. She even managed the travel club that traveled to cheer on her beloved New Orleans Saints.

Yvette loved to travel and was always on the go, living her best life. She was active in her community and had a zest for life. Her dedication to a multitude of organizations was admirable. She accepted many assignments and implemented them well. She was a member of the Elegant Ladies Social Aid and Pleasure Club for 56 years and previously served as in various positions, including president, and most recently as the financial secretary. She served as the chairman of the reunion committee for the “WaLaCo Class of ’66” and was recently selected as a board member of the Cohen Alumni Association.

Yvette loved to dance. She always reminded us that she was a Cohen Hornette. She was a Liturgical Dancer at St. Raymond and St. Leo the Great Church. She has been a member of the New Orleans Pelicans’ Senior Dance Team since its inception, starting off as one of the dancers of the famous “Used to Bees” of the former Hornets Basketball Team. She was a member of the KWL Steppers line dance group and was often found on the dance floor at parties and gatherings teaching the latest line dances. We know that she danced her way right into heaven. Yvette lived life to the fullest. She was well-loved and will be missed dearly by everyone.

She leaves to cherish her memories her children: Joseph Foster Jr. (Christy), Makisha Lawrence (Sean) and Erica Bowens; her grandchildren: Anthony Lewis (Kimberly), Joseph Foster, III (Tyrian), Jumanne Foster, Kya Foster and Sage Lawrence; great-grandchildren: Torin, Cerenity and Tristan Lewis, Joseph Foster IV, and Ty’Jaia Copelin; her siblings: Paulette Ray Sanders (Boris), Wayne Ray, Sr. and Troy Ray, Sr.; and sisters-in-law: Carolyn Ray and Regina Smith; as well as her longtime companion, Spurgeon Lewis, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Owen Ray, Sr. and Mrs. Rose A. Ray; her oldest sibling, Owen A. Ray Jr.; her sister-in-law, Sharon Ray; her aunts, Evelyn Ford and Rita Hamilton, and uncle, Arthur Augusta.

Family and friends, along with members of St. Raymond/St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, former students of Walter L. Cohen Senior High, members of Elegant Ladies Social Aid and Pleasure Club, the New Orleans Pelicans dance team, employees and former employees of the State of Louisiana, and employees of Entergy are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at St. Raymond/St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 2916 Paris Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119. Visitation will begin at 9AM, with Mass to follow at 11AM. Father Stanley K. Ihuoma, officiant and Father Ajani Gibson, co-officiant. Entombment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 4000 Norman Mayer Ave, New Orleans, LA 70122. Final care and professional services entrusted to Treasures of Life Funeral Services, 315 E. Airline Hwy., Gramercy, LA 70052.

"When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a TREASURE!"