Betty Louise Bowles, a beloved daughter, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, was born on January 21, 1928, in Akron, Ohio, to the late Thomas Louis Cowans and Lillian Grace Graise. She transitioned this earthly life on August 24, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, creativity, service, and love.

Betty was one of four siblings and preceded in death by her sisters, Barbara Jean Forney, Shirley Rogers and her brother, Willie “Uncle Bubba” Cowans. From an early age, Betty demonstrated the nurturing heart that would become one of the defining characteristics of her life, helping to care for and raise her siblings.

On August 7, 1947, Betty married Simuel A. Bowles of Akron, Ohio. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love and commitment, lasting nearly 68 years until his passing. Together, they were blessed with four children and built a loving family whose generations continue to reflect their legacy. She shared the beauty she created, and the lives she touched will continue to speak for generations to come. A dedicated wife and mother to many, she is the cherished “Granny” who held a special place in the hearts of all she touched.

A Woman of Faith
Betty was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, and her faith was the foundation upon which she built her life. After five years bedridden from tuberculosis, Betty received a miraculous healing at a Kathryn Kuhlman revival, strengthening her faith. It was not simply something she professed; it was evident in the way she lived and loved, demonstrating the virtues of a Proverbs 31 woman.

A Life of Love and Service
While faithfully serving at Second Baptist Church (co-founded by her grandfather), Betty’s love for God and His Word was evident in her dedication to serving others. Carrying a mother’s nurturing spirit wherever she went, she was love personified and possessed a rare and beautiful gift for making people feel seen and heard. On many occasions, Betty could be heard singing “You Are So Beautiful” to the people she encountered. Her peaceful and calm demeanor, coupled with her warm smile, had a way of reminding people– known and unknown–of their value, bringing joy to ordinary moments.

Affectionately known as “Bouncing Betty,” she was always on the move. Whether beautifying her home, creating something with her hands, caring for others, serving at church, or working in her community, Betty was rarely still. She had a remarkable ability to connect with everyone—truly, she could work a room like nobody else.

A Gifted Caregiver and Teacher
Betty was a beloved caretaker and teacher to many children throughout her life and understood the importance of nurturing the next generation. As an adored babysitter, Sunday school teacher, and Vacation Bible School teacher for many years, she helped plant seeds of faith, wisdom, love, and encouragement in the hearts of countless children and families. Many of the children she was entrusted with were deeply attached to her and cherish her to this day.

An Artist Who Made All Things Beautiful
Betty was blessed with an extraordinary creative spirit and could make something beautiful out of nothing. She drew, painted, crafted, decorated, designed, and taught others how to create. She took great pride in beautifying her surroundings, and her artistry was reflected throughout her home, creating a place of warmth, beauty, hospitality, laughter, and love.  Whatever she put her hands to –whether clothing, décor, cooking, floral arrangements, holiday gatherings, or handmade creations–she delighted in making things beautiful.

A Savvy Entrepreneur and Businesswoman
Betty was also a woman with an entrepreneurial spirit and a keen business sense, utilizing her talents not only for her own family but also to serve and bless others. For many years, she operated a wedding business, providing floral services and wedding coordination to help young couples create beautiful and memorable celebrations. Her business reflected the many gifts she possessed—creativity, organization, hospitality, resourcefulness, and an eye for beauty.

Committed to Her Community
Betty understood that serving others extended beyond the walls of her home and church. During the 1950s and 1960s, she was a member of the La Charmants, a prominent African-American women’s civic and social club. She was also active in the PTA and participated in neighborhood prayer band meetings. Through these activities, Betty contributed to the strength and well-being of her community and demonstrated the importance of women coming together in service, fellowship, faith, and support of one another.

Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant.
While Betty accomplished much throughout her life, her influence cannot be measured simply by the 98 years she lived. We give thanks to God for the gift of her life and for the privilege of having known and loved her. Betty Louise Bowles has completed her earthly journey, but through the selfless love she gave and the faith she imparted, her fruit remains.

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”
— Proverbs 31:28, KJV

Betty Louise Bowles leaves to cherish her memory:

Her children: Larry A. Bowles (deceased), and his wife, the late Darlene Bowles; Jacqueline L. Edingburgh, and her husband, Eugene Edingburgh; Simuel Antoine Bowles, and his wife, Olivia Bowles; and Barbara L. Parker, and her husband, Jerome Anthony Parker.

Her grandchildren: Nikki Smith, LeiSan Smith, Myra Bowles, Jerome Parker Jr., and his wife Marissa Parker, Chinna Parker, Shanee Parker-Travis and her husband, Romeo Travis, and Joshua Parker.

Her great-grandchildren: Chariss Henderson, Brian Lilly, Dakota Parker, Kevin Tyler, Niya Travis, Arielle Travis, Sky Travis, Roman Travis, Hope Parker, Jeriah Parker, Mayah Parker, and Levi Parker.

She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, friends, former students, children she cared for, and countless others whose lives were touched by her love, faith, wisdom, generosity, and kindness.