Neena Marie Bowman Bryan, 51, of Morganton, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026, at UNC Health Blue Ridge of Morganton following a brief illness.

She was born February 15, 1975 in Burke County, to Richard Andrew Bowman and the late Linda Gail Presswood. She was a loving person with a heart for others. She always tried to care for those who couldn’t care for themselves, especially doting on children and the elderly.

In addition to her mother, she is preceded in passing by a brother, Shane McMillen; grandparents, Lucy and Oliver Poteat and Richard and Lois Bowman; and uncles, Roger Presswood and Bryan Bowman.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Alex South; fiancé, Kolon Johnson; father, Richard Andrew Bowman (Marlo McMillen-Bowman); adopted daughter, Sheree Cable; stepson, Devan Hare; siblings, Christie Mackie, Ian Bowman, Sarah Bowman, and Tabatha Bowman; grandchildren, Lacey South, Kennedy Williams, and Korbin Williams; adopted grandchildren, Hannah Carpenter and Scarlett Mosier; special cousins, Lana Bowman;and Andy Benfield her beloved fur baby, Dottie Ann; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a memorial service at a later date.

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory is assisting the family.