Marlina Bowdery's life was forever changed when her son Timothy Wallace was tragically shot and killed outside a bar in March 2020. In the aftermath of this devastating loss, Bowdery found solace in the one thing that had always brought her and her son closer together – food. Now, she's honoring Timothy's memory by turning her family's restaurant into a thriving food truck, serving up the Southern-style dishes they both loved.

A Culinary Calling to Cope with Grief

Marlina Bowdery's life was turned upside down when her son Timothy Wallace was shot and killed in March 2020. Prior to this tragic event, Bowdery had been running a successful restaurant, with Timothy playing an integral role in its operations. Food had always been an important part of their relationship, and Bowdery remembers every last meal she shared with her son.After Timothy's passing, the act of cooking became a trigger for Bowdery, evoking painful memories and emotions. However, she soon realized that her culinary passion could also be a source of healing and a way to honor her son's legacy. Bowdery decided to keep the flame alive, but in a different form."Four and a half years later, I wanted to honor him," Bowdery said. "I heard my son's voice telling me, 'Mom, don't give up. You've got to keep going.'"

Transforming Grief into Grit

Bowdery's determination to keep her son's memory alive led her to transform the family restaurant into a food truck, which she now operates with her husband. The truck, aptly named "M & J's Southern Style Food," specializes in the same Southern-inspired dishes that had made the restaurant a local favorite."We cook fried chicken, homemade mac and cheese, greens, just everything," Bowdery said, her voice brimming with pride.Before his untimely death, Timothy had been a constant source of support for his mother, always lending a helping hand wherever he could. Now, Bowdery feels his presence in a different way, with his picture adorning the side of the food truck."This right here makes me feel like he's present," she said. "He's here with me so I can bring him along with me."

Cooking for the Soul: Helping Others Heal

Bowdery's journey has not only been about honoring her son's memory but also about using her culinary skills to support others who are grieving. She has made it her mission to help other mothers who have lost their children, providing them with a safe space to cope and heal."I'm helping grieving mothers," Bowdery said. "To help them cope and deal with their grief."Through her food truck, Bowdery is not only serving up delicious Southern-style dishes but also nourishing the souls of those who have experienced the same kind of unimaginable loss. Her son's voice continues to be her biggest motivator, urging her to keep going and never give up."Each time I feel like I can't go on with my life, my biggest motivator is my son," she said. "I hear his voice saying to keep going."The food truck, which operates 3 to 4 days a week, can be found primarily at the intersection of 27th and Orchard Streets. With a constantly changing menu, customers can stay up-to-date by following the truck on Facebook at "M & J's Southern Style Food."In the face of unimaginable tragedy, Marlina Bowdery has found a way to turn her grief into a source of strength, using her culinary talents to honor her son's memory and support others who are walking a similar path. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the healing properties of good food.