Beverly Jean Bowman, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, joined her family in heaven on July 8th 2020 at age 87. She transitioned peacefully, with family at her side, after a decade-long battle with cancer.

Beverly was born, Beverly Jean Crouch, in Fresno, California on October 23rd 1932. After marrying her high school sweetheart, Robert Bowman, she lovingly raised her three children, worked as a real estate agent for Coldwell Banker and then began her work as a Seattle Area Literacy Tutor (SALT Director).

It wasn’t until later in life (age 59) that Beverly found her true calling as a missionary in East Africa. For ten wonderful years, Beverly shared Jesus' love and taught English in Nairobi and rural communities during the 1990's with the organization Literacy and Evangelism Fellowship of Kenya. Civil unrest plagued the country and many were seeking refuge. Affectionately known as “Auntie Bev”, she touched countless lives with prayer and action. She saw potential in others, and empowered them to succeed. Bev traveled to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Sudan with visits to Ireland and England. She was a world traveler. Upon returning to the US, she was resilient, and determined to continue literacy as an ACTION missionary. In retirement, she enjoyed living at Wesley Terrace in Des Moines, Washington, and continued volunteering her time teaching English as a second language (ESL) and serving as a Board Member for Liliir Education Project.

Beverly will be remembered for her generosity, humility, resilience, and faith.

Beverly’s greatest joy was her family. She was a loving mother to her three children: Chad (Cheryl) Bowman, Keith (Kathy) Bowman, and Gayle (Kent) Leyde. She saw the future in her grandchildren: Jason (Ashley), Cayne (Jen), Katie, Kaley (Eric), Sarah (Kevin), Amanda (Jon), Hannah (Ryan), and Sami, and her great grandchildren Clay, Avery, Piper, and Danielle Jean (named after Beverly Jean.) Beverly is also survived by her siblings Marilyn Reddick, George (Carol) Crouch, and Toni (Gary) Harkless. She was preceded in death by her parents Eunice and Theodore Said and brother, Merle Crouch. Beverly loved deeply and many benefited from being considered family.

When it is safe to gather, a Celebration of Life will be held (date to be determined.) In the meantime, please celebrate with us at bev.infinityfam.org and share your memories of Beverly, leave a story or note, and download some pictures. Visit this site often to read the stories from Beverly's family and friends.