Helen Marie Bowen

Helen Marie Elder Bowen, born September 30, 1938, died on December 6, 2017, in San Antonio, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mansel and Florence Elder; her brother, Mansel William (Billy) Elder; her sister, Maurine Frances Elder Scholtz (Renee); and stillborn son, James Vernon Bowen.

She is survived by her wonderful husband of 61 years, Warren Bowen and children, Larry Bowen, Elizabeth Hernandez (Jesse) and Brenda Van Shellenbeck (Karl); and grandchildren, Michael and Jonathan Van Shellenbeck, and Eric, Paul, Carmen and Sarah Hernandez.

Helen was a good Christian woman who loved all people, especially, children and persons with handicaps. She also loved the Bible; she completed in cursive handwriting the New International Version compiled in individual notebooks. She composed over 250 poems in her unpublished book,

"Pieces of Me from A to Z".

She graduated with Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Incarnate Word and began teaching at the age of 40. She taught for 20 years in the Northeast Independent School District, having received awards as Teacher of the Year at Ridgeview Elementary (1982) and the same honor at Garner Middle School (1990-1991). She earned endorsements as a Special Education Teacher and also held a certificate as a Reading Specialist.

At Shearer Hills Baptist Church, Helen taught classes for persons with special needs and also participated in Vacation Bible School programs and other church related activities.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to: The Marbridge Villa, P.O. Box 2250, Manchaca, Texas 78652, where her precious son, Larry has resided for 4 years.

Philippians 4:13 was her favorite verse from her very favorite book, the Bible:

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017

1:00 P.M.

SHEARER HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH

12615 SAN PEDRO AVE.

Interment will be a private ceremony at Bellevue Cemetery in Cheapside, TX.