Norfolk – Otha James "Oatmeal" Bowman, Sr., born in Norfolk on May 31, 1945 passed on June 25, 2011 at Sentara Leigh Hospital. Otha is predeceased by his parents, Odell Bowman and Phyllis Bailey Bowman. Otha was a member of St. Mark UCC, and he faithfully attended Faith Deliverance Christian Center. He was employed with Norshipco until his retirement.

Otha leaves two daughters, Deneen and Keda Bowman; two sons, Otha Jr. and Kenneth Bowman; two brothers, Norman (Helena) and George Bowman (Ramona); four sisters, Evangelist Odessa Combs, Margaret Collins (Randy), and Jacqueline Tankerson all of Norfolk and Barbara Wilson of CA; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; a former wife, Barbara Williams and a host of friends.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 2, 2011 at St. Mark UCC. Interment will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Viewing will be held from 3pm – 7pm Friday at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake. You may offer condolences to the family at www.pretlowandsons.com.