Joan Lillian Bowers was born in Cambridge, MD. Her family moved to Baltimore where
she completed her primary education and graduated from Dundalk High School. She
attended Notheast Bible College and Evangel College.
For several years Joan served as a Christian Education Director in Worcester, MA and
Brockton, MA. The programs she designed for kids made learning fun. Her genuine
individual care made each kid feel special and valuable. There were no differences in
treatment regardless of background. She did believe the song, “Jesus Loves the Little
Children … Red and yellow, brown and white, they are precious in His sight .”
Joan returned to Baltimore in 1989. She received her certification to be a daycare
provider. Joan worked @ Bethel Assembly of God in their preschool. Once again her
skill at making learning a joy flourished. She enjoyed making a difference in tiny lives
in their formative years. Long days were fulfilling and had the added reward of bear
hugs and big smiles from little people. After a few years Joan opened her own daycare
called Loving and Learning in Edgemere, MD.
Her love for children as well as her compassion for those who were hurting was
evidenced by her life. Some of her thoughts in her last days were to help trafficked
women because , “They have no one to help them.” She had a generous spirit as you
hardly ever left her without her wanting to give you something.
Joan loved beautiful —–sunsets, paintings, dishes, jewelry. She loved flowers, loved
shopping, and loved bling! Joan could find humor anywhere. She loved to laugh and to
make others laugh. In fact when she talked about her eulogy, she asked, “Would you
make it funny?”
Joan was independent, a leader, and a self starter. Her battle with Parkinson’s reshaped
these characteristics. Joan loved God, the Bible and prayer. They were the compass for
her decisions. During her years of diminished health they were her anchor. She lived
her last three years in the nursing home at Maranatha Village in Springfield, MO.
Joan will be greatly missed by her family and friends on whom her 64 years has made a
lasting impact. We love you Joan!
The funeral will be at the Duda Ruck Funeral Home,7922 Wise Ave., Baltimore, MD,
Saturday, September 8, 2012. Viewing at 9 am, Funeral at 10 am, internment following
at the Oak Lawn Cemetery.