Shirley Jean (Hammontree) Bowers

Shirley Jean Bowers, 86, passed away at her home in East Jordan on Saturday, May 11, 2019. She was born  April 19, 1933 at home in Bay Shore, Michigan to Theo & Clarabell (Hoxie) Hammontree. She is a 1951 graduate of Boyne City High School and while still in high school, she met the love of her life, Donald Bowers. They were married on June 2, 1951 at the First Presbyterian Church of Boyne City.

After marrying, Shirley moved to East Jordan and worked as a phone operator. After raising 4 daughters she decided to return to the workforce. She began working at Northwestern State Bank before becoming the first receptionist at the East Jordan Family Health Center.  She was also the secretary at the First Presbyterian Church of East Jordan for many years.

Outside of her working commitments, Shirley graciously volunteered much of her free time to many community organizations. She was a member of the Eastern Stars where she played the organ and held many office positions.  She valued her commitment to faith as a member of the First Presbyterian Church of East Jordan, where she enjoyed participating in the vocal and bell choirs and served as both a Deacon and Session member. She also enjoyed gardening, painting and playing music.

Shirley’s fondness of early childhood education led to the development of the East Jordan Co-Op Nursery School in 1968. In 2010, she was named East Jordan’s Mother of the Year.

Most importantly, Shirley was a mother, grandmother & great grandmother. Shirley is survived by her husband, Donald Bowers of East Jordan; four daughters, Donna (Greg) Huryk of Muskegon, Brenda K. (Tracy) Malpass of East Jordan, Diane “Dee” (Robert) Hawley of East Jordan and Susan J. (Kurt) Nichols of East Jordan, eleven grandchildren; and sixteen great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers and two sisters; and one granddaughter, Michele Thorman.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church in East Jordan, with Rev. Jaime Klinger officiating the service, with interment following at Sunset Hill Cemetery in East Jordan. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Penzien Funeral Homes, Inc. in East Jordan.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the East Jordan Ambulance Association, PO Box 223, East Jordan, MI 49727 or Saladin Shriners Children’s Trust, Attn: Judy Williams, 233 East Fulton St.; Suite 102, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

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