Bernice Bowers, 95, died on March 24, 2022, at Arkansas Methodist Hospital in Paragould. She was born in Cosmopolis, WA on April 9, 1926, to George Benedict and Virginia Martinez. Her early years were spent in the Grays Harbor area of Washington State in the care of stepmother Catherine Ada Monson whom she called Mom. As a teenager, Bernice moved to the San Francisco Bay area where she graduated from Fremont High School in Oakland and reconnected with sister Phyllis Jacklich. It was during this time that she met future husband Walter Franklin Bowers who was stationed with the U.S. Naval Hospital Corps. They were married in Oakland on May 23, 1947. After Walter’s honorable discharge, the couple moved to Clay County, Arkansas to work with the farming family. Bernice would tell stories about the difficult transition from the West Coast to rural Arkansas, but in time became a true Southerner, embracing the values of strong family and hard physical work. Many knew her as the “greenhouse lady” but most affectionately called her Granny, the name given to her by grandsons with a little help from her husband and brothers-in-law. One could usually find her working in the greenhouses, but she also enjoyed crafts such as crocheting and sewing. In retirement, she always had a murder mystery book in hand. Bernice was a longtime member of the McDougal Church of Christ.

She has two sons, William Bowers of Memphis, and Fredrick Bowers and wife Marianna of Paragould. Having no daughters of her own, one thing Granny always valued was her close and special relationship with her daughter-in-law Marianna. She has three grandsons, Jody Bowers and wife Cristy of Bull Shoals, Jeremy Bowers of St. Petersburg, FL, and Jason Bowers and wife Kelly of Paragould. There are two great-grandchildren, Ashley Bowers of Springfield, MO, and Hunter Bowers of Paragould. Other survivors include her close sister-in-law Betty Bowers, numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister.

Arrangements will be by Phillips Funeral Home in Paragould; a visitation for family and close friends will be Friday, April 1 at 1:00 pm. A graveside service will begin at 2:15 p.m. at Greene County Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers are her grandsons as well as nephews Doin Bowers, Jr., Michael Bowers, and David Bowers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to Children’s Homes, 5515 Walcott Rd., Paragould, AR 72450 or Ukraine Missions, PO Box 456, Piggott, AR 72454.

Visit www.phillipsfuneral.org to send online condolences.