Reva Ellen Bowman of Ghent, WV was born July 16, 1951, to the late Suda Farley. After a life marked by quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to others, Reva entered into eternal rest on April 30, 2026, at 11:09am. Surrounded by the love of her family, she opened her eyes to the voice of her heavenly Father saying, “Well done good and faithful servant.”
Reva was a lifelong resident of Ghent, where she spent more than 60 years building a life centered on faith, family, and service. A woman of humility and grace, she served the Lord faithfully for many years and found joy in the simple, sacred moments of life sitting on her back porch, taking in God’s creation and sharing daily devotions with her beloved husband.
Reva is survived by her devoted husband of 19 years, Clay Osborne, whose large and loving family was embraced as her own. Together they built a life rich in faith, love, and companionship. She also leaves behind her cherished children: Christina Wilburn (Artie), Ralph Carr Jr., and Scott Bowman (Anita). Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren: Nathan Wilburn (Angellele), Bethany (Cory) Aliff, Jacob (Tiffany) Carr, Matthew Carr, Andrew Carr, and Preston Bowman (Abby). Her treasured great-grandchildren: Greyson, Harper, Hadley, Elly, River, Ryett, Remington, Paisley, Beau, and Evangeline. Each of them held a special place in her heart and she delighted in gathering as many of them as possible around the firepit, creating memories filled with laughter and love.
Reva dedicated over 40 years of her life to nursing, a career that perfectly reflected her compassionate spirit and tireless work ethic. She served many years at St. Lukes Hospital, before continuing her calling as House supervisor for Appalachian Regional Healthcare for years. She formed lasting bonds with all fellow nurses, affectionately calling them all “ladybug,” a testament to the warmth and kindness she shared so freely.
She was a faithful member of Camp Creek Community Church and also cherished her second church family at Life Spring. Her faith was her foundation, sustaining her through every season in life, including a courageous 3-year battle with cancer which she faced with remarkable strength and unwavering trust in God.
Reva found joy in life’s simple pleasures-thrifting, yard sales, and especially time spent with those she loved most. Her special cousin and special friend Barbara Carr (Erine). Her fur baby Bella will miss her dearly, as well as the many friends whose lives she touched with her kindness and gentle spirit. Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to Southern West Virginia Hospice for their compassionate care and support during her final days.
A funeral service will be held at Blue Ridge Funeral Home in Beckley, West Virginia, officiated by William Sweeney, Matt Harvey, Sam Forsythe, and Brian Harmon. Pallbearers will be Scott Bowman, Ralph Carr, Artie Wilburn, Cory Myers, Greyson Archie, and Allen Bell. Honorary pallbearers: Nathan Wilburn, Jacob, Matthew, and Andrew Carr. Visitation will be Tuesday May 5, 2026, from 5pm to 8pm, and a funeral will be Wednesday May 6, 2026, at 1pm with visitation one hour prior.
Reva was above all, a hard worker, a woman of deep faith, and a loving matriarch. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion, strength, and grace that will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.
Following Wednesday’s service there will be a dinner at Life Spring, 136 Derek Lane Cool Ridge, WV. All is welcome.
