PORTSMOUTH—I, Janice Kay Bowers, died July 9, 2024. I was preceded in death by my father, Francis R. Knapp, and my mother, Betty Jane Davis, as well as my stepmother, Maxine Bishop, and stepbrother, Tracy Bishop.

I'm survived by my treasured, loving husband, Harold L. Bowers; my beautiful and courageous daughters: Heidi Lester (Ray) and Heather Hurlburt Allen (Paul); the father of my grandchildren, Keith Stone (Laura); and my dearly beloved grandsons, who gave me so much love and so many precious memories during my years: Logan Stone, Chase Stone, and Wes Stone. I'm also survived by my best friend and sister Linda Bearup (Bob); and nephews Jeffery Bearup (Lana) and children Justin, Ciara, Alexis, and Aiden; Trevor Bearup (Charleen) and daughter Ella; and Christopher Bearup (Tina) and children Colin, Brayden, and Grace.

I was born in 1942 in Detroit, during World War II. We relocated to a small town, Otisville, Michigan, where I had my best childhood memories. From there, we moved to Flint, where I graduated in 1960 from Flint Northern High School. I participated in the student council, varsity cheerleading, synchronized swimming team, intermural tennis, and bowling.

From high school, I landed in Florida, where I got my first job with Pan-American as a contractor for the Cape Canaveral Missile Program, where I was one of the youngest hirees. After that, I moved to Alaska, where I worked in pipeline camps for two years as a clerk and a telegraph operator. From there, I ended up in Portsmouth, Virginia, where I worked for Portsmouth Public Schools for 30 years, retiring as a clerical secretary. After retirement, I was a volunteer for the courts as a special advocate for foster children, for two years, and I remained close to one of the families.

In closing, I'd like to say I'm having a private burial followed by a celebration of life at Elizabeth Manor Golf and Country Club, for my family. I'll say goodbye to all that I have loved and cherished for many years. The End. [The preceding was dictated by Janice, in a recording made in her backyard, with birds noisily chiming in.] Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.