Maida Elizabeth Wood Bowden

Maida Elizabeth Wood Bowden, age 91, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025. Born on October 27, 1933 in Alexandria, Alabama to Charles Howard and Mildred Wood, Maida was the fifth of seven siblings who all shared a close, loving bond. She spent a happy childhood in Anniston and Holt, Alabama; Erie, Pennsylvania; and Athens, Tennessee. In a home filled with music and laughter, she considered her siblings her best friends.

Maida met Hilton Alexander Bowden in Birmingham in June 1958. As she liked to explain, they “just knew” they were right for each other and got married a few short months later on October 4. The two of them made a good team, as they were both fond of saying. They had individual and shared interests, but mostly just enjoyed each other’s presence. Their three children, Alex, Stuart, and Elizabeth, grew up in a household of love and warmth.

Maida was a caring, active mother and wife. She timed her errands to make sure she was at home when Hilton returned from work so she could greet him in the house foyer. No matter what her children’s interests were – basketball, Boy Scouts, track, gymnastics, or dancing – she supported them fully, especially by scooting the kids around Vestavia Hills. She liked to joke that if her car could speak, it would ask her, “School, grocery store, or church?” each time she settled into the driver’s seat. Later, as a grandmother, Maida was as sweet as any grandchild could wish for.

Although naturally shy, Maida made it a point to be attentive to other people and help them feel at ease. This quality endeared her to neighbors, friends, strangers, and really anyone she met. During her years in Birmingham, she was active in Vestavia Hills Baptist Church and Shades Mountain Baptist Church. She loved singing in the choir, spending time with other ladies, and baking casseroles for those experiencing an illness or difficulty. A devout Christian, she typically began each day by reading a devotional, savoring a coffee, and watching the birds in her backyard. Her life exemplified the love of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

For the last seven years of her life, Maida lived in Memphis with her son Stuart, who was her steadfast caretaker. “I’m just enjoying Stuart’s company,” she would say to anyone who asked how she was doing. This final period of her life was one of her most content and peaceful.

Maida is survived by her sons, Alex Bowden (Donna) and Stuart Bowden; her daughter, Elizabeth Bowden-David (Griffith); grandchildren Micah Bowden (Cristina), Anna Bowden, Naveen David, and Gabriel David; brother, Robert Wood; sister, Wanda Hall (Morris); and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating Maida’s life will be held on Saturday, June 7 at 3pm at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church.