Donna Gail (Phillips) Bowers

Donna Gail (Phillips) Bowers, 73, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away leaving behind a family who loved her deeply and countless lives made better by her kindness, strength, and nurturing spirit.

Donna was born on November 5, 1952, in Dayton, Kentucky, to Clarence Cornelius Phillips and Evelyn (Roberts) Phillips. She was lovingly raised by Ruby and Oscar Hester, who opened their hearts and home to her and helped shape the woman she became.

On August 3, 1991, Donna married Johnny D. Bowers in Ringgold, Georgia. Together, they shared 35 years of marriage.

Donna enjoyed crocheting and playing bingo at the American Legion in Ringgold, where she treasured the friendships she made. Caring for others came naturally to her. Her nurturing spirit extended far beyond her immediate family, as she fostered multiple children throughout her life, opening her home and heart to provide them with love, guidance, and a sense of belonging.

Her children were never far from her thoughts. Donna talked about them constantly and with tremendous love and pride. She especially cherished talking with her daughters on the phone and always looked forward to hearing their voices. She was strong-willed, loving, and unforgettable, with a spirit that left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Donna was preceded in death by her birth parents, Clarence Cornelius and Evelyn (Roberts) Phillips; the parents who lovingly raised her, Ruby and Oscar Hester; her son, David Dewayne Cowart; her grandson, Steven Smith, who passed away in August 2017; her sister, Teresa McNabb; her brothers, Richard Hunsucker, Jerry Hunsucker, Allen Hunsucker, and Toby Hester; and her dear best friend, Vanessa Brown.

She is survived by her husband, Johnny D. Bowers; her children, Michele Denise Royal, Annie Krieger and her husband, Todd, and Jeremiah Kite and his wife, Christine; her grandchildren, Lexi Lhamon; Devon Cowart; Melissa “Missy” Cowart; William Gage Royal; Kristian Ann Royal; Emily Beasley and her wife, Randi; Cassy Furman and her husband, Allen; Christopher McDowell; Iciss Mingo and her partner, Jordan; Katelynne Krieger; Daniel Krieger; and Amina Krieger; and her great-grandchildren, Mellody Royal, Cyrus Wells, Alastor Lewis, Trevor Allan Gage Royal, Kameron Gage Royal, William Gage Royal Jr., Alyssa, Natalie, Exavier, Genesis, and Jordan Jr.

Donna is also survived by her sisters, Patricia Mompier, Carolyn Sparkman, Deborah Neighbors, Betty Hester, and Lisa Hooker; her brothers, Roger Haywood, David Ballard, Clay McNabb, and Russell Hester; and many extended family members, foster children, and treasured friends.

The children of Donna’s late best friend, Vanessa Brown - Sammie Taylor, Shallas Spies, Shasty Graves, Sylvia Walker, and Simone Leamon - also remained a cherished part of her extended family.

Donna’s life was defined by the love she gave so freely. Whether she was caring for her family, opening her home to a child in need, sharing a phone call with one of her daughters, crocheting, or enjoying bingo with friends, she brought warmth and meaning to the lives around her.

Although Donna will be deeply missed, the love, strength, and compassion she gave throughout her life will continue through her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, foster children, extended family, and everyone whose life she touched. Her memory will remain forever in their hearts.

There will be no public services. Donna will be laid to rest at Chattanooga National Cemetery following a private family memorial service at a later date.

Donna’s family would also like to extend a very special thank-you to Adoration Hospice of Chattanooga for the compassion, comfort, and exceptional care given to Donna all the way to the end and beyond. Their heartfelt gratitude goes to Jamie James, Ciara, Ondrea, Anglia, Regina, and the rest of Donna’s care team for the kindness, support, and dignity they provided throughout her journey. The family would also like to thank Companion Funeral Home of Chattanooga.

Forever loved. Forever remembered.