Velma I. (Wilms) Bowman

Velma I. (Wilms) Bowman, age 103 of Warren passed away peacefully into eternal rest on Sunday Sept. 10, 2023 at Champion Estates Assisted Living in Warren.  She was born on January 21, 1920 in Phalanx Mills, OH, the daughter of the late Carl Bronson & Eva (Stroup) Bronson.  Velma married Wayne L. Wilms on October 12, 1940 and they were blessed with 36 wonderful years of marriage before his passing on September 24, 1977.  Velma then married her second husband, Glenn C. Bowman on December 19, 1986 and he passed away on October 15, 1994.  She worked as a advertising supervisor for Alcan Building Products for 13 years retiring in 1983.  Velma was a lifetime member of the Braceville United Methodist Church, and played both organ & piano for many functions at the church.  She had a talent and a gift for playing both instruments and used that talent over the years, playing various wedding and funerals and giving piano lessons to many young people. Her talent shined in the nineties at her church's sponsored porkchop dinners where she played people's requests while they ate their dinners.  She really enjoyed Warren Scope and playing the card game of "500" with various members including her brother and sister. Velma also enjoyed playing for group sing- a- longs to old favorite tunes including hymns such a "The Old Rugged Cross" , patriotic songs, and popular tunes from the forties and fifties.  Velma was also accomplished at crocheting, and made Afghans for all her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  She enjoyed going to craft shows where she sold doilies, Afghans, baby blankets, and baby sweater sets as well as reconditioned dolls dressed in her crocheted doll clothes.  Velma was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands: Wayne & Glenn,  1 daughter, Sandra Kay Wilkenson, 1 son, Richard L. Wilms,  2 sisters,: Violet Goff, Evelyn Bullus and 1 brother, Myron Bronson.

She is survived by: 1 daughter: Maureen & Larry Seafert of Champion, 1 sister: Belva Shoff of Melbourne, FL, 1 brother: James Bronson of Kinsman, OH, and 7 grandchildren: Scott (Mary) Gallo,  Ross (Heather) Gallo, Teresa Gallo, Dan (Jennifer) Wilms, Eric (Michelle) Wilms, Michael Seafert, and Lauren Seafert,  and 7 great -grandchildren: Logan, Hailey, Isabella, Evan, Nicholas, Mallory Rose Gallo, and Jacob Wilms.

Cremation has taken place.  A memorial service will be at the Braceville United Methodist Church on Thursday Sept.14, 2023 at 11:00am with Pastor Joan Purnell officiating the service.  The family will receive friends for calling hours from 10:00- 11:00am.  She will be laid to rest beside her first husband Wayne at Braceville Cemetery.  Per Velma's wishes, any donations are to be made to the Braceville United Methodist Church 589 Park Rd. Newton Falls, OH 44444 in her memory.  

Many thanks to the wonderful staff at  "Champion Estates" for the loving care they gave to "Miss Velma". She loved all the caregivers calling them "her girls" and our entire family will be forever grateful to them for making her last year so special. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444. (330)872-5440. Family and friends may view her obituary online or to send condolences,  please visit us at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com

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