Joann Sessions Bowns, a former science professor at Southern Utah University, passed away on October 24, 2026, at the age of 89 in Cedar City, Utah, according to an obituary published by Southern Utah Mortuary - Cedar City on October 26, 2026.
Bowns was the first female science professor at the College of Southern Utah, which is now Southern Utah University. After teaching at the institution for more than 40 years, she retired from the university. In addition to her academic career, she served as the pre-med advisor and was the first female chair of the State of Utah Wildlife Board.
Born on September 4, 1937, to Cyril Call and Noma Smith Sessions, Bowns grew up in Centerville, Utah, alongside her brothers Rex and Phil. She married James Bowns on April 30, 1966, and they had two children, Carol and Casey.
Bowns earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree from the University of Utah, as well as a doctorate from the University of Michigan, by the age of 27. She was a graduate of Bountiful High School, class of 1955.
The family has established the Joann Bowns Memorial Scholarship at Southern Utah University to honor her dedication to students and her work as a mentor. In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions to this scholarship via the SUU Advancement office located at 351 W University Blvd, Cedar City, UT 84720.
A graveside service for Bowns is scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cedar City Cemetery, located at 685 North Main Street, Cedar City, UT 84721. The service is being conducted under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary - Cedar City.
