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Gladys May Bowman was born May 1, 1916 to Harry T and Lydia Kramer Bowman in Lebanon, PA. She is preceded in death by her parents and four sisters Lydia Bowman, Elaine Lilly, Betty Kocher, Mary Jane Shutter and three brothers Gideon Bowman, Donald Bowman and Harry Bowman.
She is survived by several nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews and many friends.
Gladys accepted the Lord at the age of 13 and consecrated her life November 20, 1931 to the Lord Jesus to trust, obey and serve Him as best she knew how while her life lasted. She attended Lebanon Public Schools, Harrisburg School of the Bible (evening classes) and completed 5 correspondence courses through Moody Bible Institute.
Gladys came to Oklahoma May 30, 1941 and joined Alma Ayling to do missionary work in 42 schools covering 3 counties, Adair, Cherokee and Sequoyah. They worked together teaching Bible stories. Gladys would use the flannel board to illustrate the story and lead singing while Alma taught the Bible lessons and played the portable organ. This work continued for 50 years, until the ACLU forbade teaching Bible in the schools in 1991.
They bought some land in Horn Valley for $12.50 and created Grace Chapel on God's Acre where they taught Sunday School and Bible Classes. During the summers they held Bible School in their little chapel.
The chapel still operates as a beacon in the community after 75 years.
Gladys and Alma moved to Go Ye Village in 1985. Their work for God continued. They were like sisters or you might say twins. They dressed alike except for occasional difference in jewelry. After being separated for 8 years they were reunited as Gladys passed into the Lord's presence on March 20, 2018, at the age of 101 years, 10 months and 20 days.
Gladys was a dedicated servant to the Lord by example and a great prayer warrior. She was once told she was marvelous, but she quickly responded, "He's marvelous, (pointing heavenward). I don't want Glory Only Him. Praise God! He did it all. Praise Him for all He has done and continues to do."
She wrote many poems of inspiration about many subjects. Some were published in the Christian magazine, Gospel Herald. Others were sent to family and friends. The content always mentioned God in some way.
The missionaries came as servants, without reservation or thought for their own needs. They desired only to minister to others. Their one passion was to please God! Even in their sunset years, they witnessed when God placed the opportunity before them.
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2
In lieu of flowers donate to Go Ye Village
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