Beverly Shank Bowers Baker

She was born August 8, 1922 in Harrisonburg, VA and was the daughter of the late Wilmer and Clara Brathwaite Bowers.

On April 15, 1944 she married the love of her life, Leary Baker, who survives. During their 70 years of marriage, she and her husband resided in Winchester VA, Purceville, VA, and Sparta, NJ and later retired to N. Myrtle Beach, SC before moving back to Harrisonburg nine years ago.

Beverly graduated from Harrisonburg High School, and was a secretary at Shenandoah’s Pride before moving away. She was also a secretary for John Deere and a nursing home in NJ.

Beverly and her husband have always been devoted church members, presently members of Harrisonburg Baptist Church. She enjoyed knitting and sewing for her family, and playing bridge. They also volunteered for the Meals on Wheels program.

Besides her husband, she is survived by three daughters, Judith Baker Foote and husband, James of Noblesville, IN, Barbara Payne of Vienna, WV and Beverly Scott Gursky and husband, Michael of Valrico, FL; seven grandchildren, Michael, Jonathan, Jeanne, Kristen, Brent, Sarah and Brian; seven great-grandchildren, Amelia, Leanna, Alexander, Katherine, Braden, Ella and Paxton; four brothers, Donald Bowers and wife, Lucy, of Ashburn, VA, Harry Bowers and wife, Betty, William Bowers and wife, Wilma and Charles Bowers and wife, Sharon, all of Harrisonburg.

There will be no visitation and a private burial will be held at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens.

A memorial service will be held at VMRC, Strite Auditorium, Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Stacy Nowell officiating.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Good Samaritan Fund, Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community Foundation, 1491 Virginia Ave, Harrisonburg, VA 22802.

Special thanks to the nurses and caregivers on the Afton Unit at VMRC.

Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg is handling arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lindseyharrisonburg.com