Jean Bowick Puder, 90, of Gainesville, FL, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 23, 2022 with her children by her side. Jean was born in Augusta, GA on August 21, 1932 to Nelson W. and Gladys (Wilkerson) Bowick. She had one brother, Edward M. Bowick.
Jean graduated from Tubman High School and the Junior College of Augusta. She fell head over heals in love with Hugh E. (Bobby) Puder after selling him a ticket to the You All Ball. They married December29, 1951. They had been married over 70 years.
Her faith in Christ was central to her life. She loved to tell the story of how she became a Christian while attending the Billy Graham Crusade as a young girl in Augusta. Jean and Bob married in the Lutheran church and later became members of the Presbyterian church. Both Jean and Bob taught Sunday school for many years at Highlands Presbyterian Church, Gainesville, FL. Jean loved teaching the 2 and 3 year old children about Jesus and she enjoyed being part of the ladies’ circle. Later in life they became members of First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL. Jean loved sharing the Gospel of Christ with others.
She took a lot of pleasure in giving generously to benevolences and people in need.
Jean enjoyed her life as a homemaker and loved raising her four children. She was always available to listen and give support. She saw her family through many difficult and challenging times as well as fully celebrating the good times. She adored her grandchildren and was visited by her three great grandchildren during her last years. She always made holidays and family occasions special by cooking meals, baking cakes and decorating the house.
Jean enjoyed her life as a homemaker and loved raising her four children. She was always available to listen and give support. She saw her family through many difficult and challenging times as well as fully celebrating the good times. She adored her grandchildren and was visited by her three great grandchildren during her last years. She always made holidays and family occasions special by cooking meals, baking cakes and decorating the house.
Jean was a volunteer with English in Action, an organization that helps international students and their spouses practice their English language skills. She made several good friends and enjoyed learning about their cultures, as well as sharing our culture with them.
At the age of 84, Jean suffered a severe stroke. She became a resident of Oak Hammock skilled nursing facility on September 23, 2016. Her husband joined her at Oak Hammock in October 2016 just to be near her. The family is thankful for and deeply appreciates all those at Oak Hammock who cared for her over the past six years.
Jean is survived by her husband, Hugh E. (Bob) Puder, four children: Tim Puder, John Puder, Alison Puder Fell, (Mike Fell), Amy Puder, four grandchildren: Maggie Avitabile, (Joey Avitabile), Austin Fell, Nathan Fell, Alice Ann Fell, three great grandchildren, cousins and nieces.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Nelson and Gladys Bowick, brother Edward M. Bowick, grandsons, Timothy Puder and Casey Puder, daughters-in-law, Kay Cunningham Puder and Lynne Batten Puder.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean’s memory to the Billy Graham Evangelistic
Association; 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201
Association; 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201
Jean will be buried at Forest Meadows Central Cemetery, Gainesville, FL
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I was so blessed to have Jean as my mother.She helped my family thru so many challenges in a caring and supportive manner. I will cherish memories of Saturday morning breakfasts with her and my dad as she helped me work thru personal issues and discuss current events. She was gracious helping me in so many ways with my handicapped son who loved her dearly.I am at peace,Mom, knowing you are with the Lord. We will be together soon. You are Loved and will be always remembered mom. Love, Tim
I met Mr & Mrs Puder at John & Lynne Puder’s wedding reception. My wife, Rhonda, and I felt an immediate connection with both Mr & Mrs Puder and had a very enjoyable visit with them. Jean Puder was a real Southern Christian lady and she made us feel so comfortable and at home in her presence and we never forgot that one time visit with Mrs Jean Puder. Jean Puder reminded both of us of our own mothers. We could see why my friend, Lynne Puder, loved John’s family.
Hi Tim,
My name is Hae Jung Kim. I met your mom while she was volunteering for International student to help English conversation, 1980. She helped me a lot with spiritualy.
Today, 4/30/2023, I was going to mail a Mother’s Day card, but I checked her address & found out she passed away last year. I regret I couldn’t visit her before.
Peace in God!
Please give me your or Amy’s address & I will stop by one day. I think Amy married while I was in Gainesville.
Thank you.