Brenda Gail Bowen, 64, passed into the presence of her Lord on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, while peacefully holding her husband’s hand, at Hubbard Hospice Care in South Charleston after a long illness.

Brenda was born on March 5, 1953 to her loving parents Jimmy and Ann Richmond, in Hinton, WV. She was a daddy’s girl from the moment he saw her after returning home from the Korean War. Growing up in Boomer, Brenda was the oldest of three siblings and a source of joy and encouragement to all who knew her. Naturally, she was a spirit-filled cheerleader from grade school to her alma-mater Gauley Bridge High School. It was there she met her high-school sweetheart, Dan Bowen. He couldn’t resist the charm of his “Cutie” and they married February 24, 1973.

Brenda and Dan were soon raising their four children in Elkview, WV, with Dan serving as Associate Pastor for 18 years at Elkview Baptist Church, where they made many of their lifelong friends. As Brenda had a successful career as a beautician, she divided her time between her loyal clients and friends who adored her, while being a true servant to her church family. She loved cooking and entertaining, and never turned away a stranger. She was always available as a shoulder to cry on, friend to laugh with, to deliver home-cooked meals or drive you where you needed to go.

Brenda was a devoted mother and loved to be the fun mom that everyone wanted to visit. Like her mother, her vibrant personality was reflected in her home: always neat, clean, fresh and inviting. Visitors could expect to see the furniture rearranged, bright decorations and their gracious hostess receiving them with open arms. Her fun-loving spirit never failed to bring you back for more. She was always put together with a coordinating outfit, shoes and jewelry along with perfect hair and nails. Brenda was just the kind of person you wanted to be around to brighten your day.

Brenda leaves behind many who love her dearly and will miss the radiant light she brought to their lives: Husband, Dan Bowen of Cross Lanes; Parents, Jimmy and Ann Richmond of Shady Spring; brother, Kevin Richmond of Friendswood, TX (Mary Sue, niece Emily), sister, Karen Ruden of Santa Rosa Beach, FL (Cliff, nephew Blake, niece Erica); Daughters, Heather Ghareeb (Dr. Mitri Ghareeb) and Andrea Garrison (Rev. Matthew Garrison); Sons, Matthew (Heather Petrutz) and Daniel (Christina Tinnel). Her grandchildren were the light of her life and will miss their “Nanny” so much: Kalila, Samira and Aleeya Ghareeb; Sydney, Sierra, Tyler and Troy Garrison; Brooklyn Bowen; Madison and Ethan Bowen. Brenda loved her Bowen family like her own, leaving her father-in-law Bill Bowen, and his children, Gary (LouAnn), Patti (Greg), Tommy, Billy, and 12 nieces and nephews on Dan’s side of their family wishing they could welcome her to another big Bowen family gathering again.

While her time here on earth will be missed, it is comforting to know that she will see her loved ones again soon in heaven with the Lord Jesus. She will be preparing her house to greet the ones she loves.

Hafer's Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. A visitation will be held from 3-5 pm on Saturday, June 24th at Cross Lanes Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, June 25th with one hour of visitation prior, at Cross Lanes Baptist Church.Entombment will be at Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston. Flowers may be sent to Cross Lanes Baptist Church, or donations made to Hubbard Hospice Care, Elkview Baptist Church, or Cross Lanes Baptist Church in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences may be sent to www.haferfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements are in the care of Hafer Funeral Home, 50 North Pinch Rd., Elkview.

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