Toni Yolanda Bowen

Yolanda Bowen, age 68, of Mcloud, OK, passed away December 30th, 2023, at her home in Mcloud. Yolanda was born November 11, 1955, in Stroud, OK, to Herman and Carol Searcy.

Yolanda, as a Reverend's daughter, was raised in several towns and cities in OK, Including, Stroud, Prague, and Wister, OK. She attended and graduated from Prague High School.

She met her husband, Vance Michael Bowen in Oklahoma City in the summer of 1976. They were later married in Norman, OK on January 6th, 1977, only a week after getting engaged. This marriage was blessed for just a week shy of 47 years.

Yolanda studied secretarial studies at Gordon Cooper Vo-tech in Shawnee OK, during her senior year of High School. She started her first job after high school at Tinker Airforce Base, where she spent only a few months before deciding to move on. She then worked at the Oklahoma Cosmetology Board, where she worked until 1977. Later that same year, she began her career with the State of Oklahoma where she spent 45 years at the Department of Human Services until she retired in January of 2018.

Yolanda was preceded in death by both her parents, Herman, and Carol Searcy, as well as her older sister Sonja Voss.

She was survived by her husband, Vance Michael Bowen, her son Vance Michael Bowen II, his wife Natalie Bowen, and their two sons, Jaxon Thomas Bowen and Brooks Michael Bowen; her daughter Jessica Blair Deason, her husband Andrew Deason, and their three sons, Aiden Charles Deason, Carter Michael Deason, and Emmett Hayes Deason; Nephew Shad Aaron West and wife Wendy, and Niece Brittany Dawn Horton and her two children Owen and Maci.

Yolanda enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and watching her favorite shows. In her younger years, she spent as much of her free time as possible at their house at Lake Eufaula. She enjoyed watching college football, more specifically OU football. Her greatest joy was the way she raised and loved her children.

She was a quiet person but loved with her whole heart. She had the best hugs if you were ever lucky enough to get one. The loss we are feeling is devastating and will be never-ending. She was the brightest star, deepest soul, and such an incredible wife, mother, and friend.

Yolanda’s wishes were to be cremated and kept with her children and husband.