Helen Laverne Bowman

Helen Laverne Ratcliff Bowman, 92, passed away on July 22, 2026. She was born on December 8, 1933, to the late Hurley and Minnie Ratcliff. As a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend, she touched countless lives with her compassion and unwavering love. Helen leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories.

Helen loved children and taught kindergarten and first grade in the Houston Independent School District, Rochester Minnesota Public School District, Round Rock Independent School District, and finally, Austin Independent School District, where she retired from Andrews Elementary School after 30 plus years of teaching.

Helen led a spiritually strong life and left an indelible mark on all the lives of those she touched. Her legacy of service, dedication to God, the church, and community provided a strong example of faith to all who knew her. Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie Murray Bowman; parents, Hurley and Minnie Ratcliff; and sister Gladys Bates Giles.

She will forever live in the hearts of her loving twin sister, Hazel M. Hatch, and sister, Marjorie J. Shorter; her sisters-in-law: Dorothy Bowman Perry (James), Wanda Bowman Lee, Myra Bowman Burns (Butch); and brother-in-law: Clarence Edward Bowman (Eva). Special nephews: Anthony Earl Bates, Duayne Kelly Sherman. She leaves to celebrate her life as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Anderson Mill Baptist Church, 10633 LAKE CREEK PARKWAY, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78750.