Bernice Gloria Bowen was born December 5, 1922, in Bridgeport, CT, the fourth child of Grace Sanford Bowen and Orville A. Bowen and ascended to her heavenly home July 15, 2015. At the age of 13 she accepted Christ as her Savior. This began a discipline of Christ and His Word setting the boundaries of her life. Although this standard required sacrifice, and, at times was contrary to her desires, she consistently chose to walk by faith rather than by sight. She believed God's love and purpose for her were greater and more satisfying than anything she might seek for herself.
This perspective resulted in her offering to become a full-time missionary, originally, to China. The effect of rheumatic fever on her body as a child, however, prevented survival in tropical environments. The Lord then led her to California to minister to women and children in Migrant Worker Camps, serving under the Missionary Gospel Fellowship. In preparation for her life work, she had taken a Secretarial Business College course, graduated from Moody Bible College and Nurses training at Shelton College. She loved her work among the migrants but the Mission needed a secretary and assigned her to the office. "Just till they could replace her", which they never did! To fulfill her need to be active in sharing Christ's love and salvation, she worked at the camps in the evenings after hours and on Saturdays. She also taught a Young Couples Class on Sunday and sang in the choir.
On Sunday evenings she worked with a Youth Group at Castle Air Force Base with commendable results. She also assisted Dr. Clyde Narramore, an early Christian Counselor, typing the manuscripts for several of his books.
In 1992, she retired and was invited to join John and Mary Dorsey, former missionaries to India, in Blacksburg. Upon arrival she joined First Baptist Church and participated in the choir, taught a Sunday School Class and took part in all other activities as long as her health allowed.
Her siblings predeceased her. However, she has a nephew, Donald Clark of Arkansas, a niece, Chickie Ostrander, a grand-niece, Nancy Sommers, a great-great-nephew, Tony Sommers, and a grand nephew, Glenn Ostrander all of California.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Missionary Gospel Fellowship, PO Box 1535, Turlock, CA, 95381-1535.
In celebration of her life, friends will be received Saturday, July 18, 2015, from 10:30-11:15 AM, at White Columns. A Celebration Of Life Service will follow at Mountain View Cemetery at 11:30 AM with Rev. William Priester officiating.
White Columns of Blacksburg is serving the Bowen Family.
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