Mr. Manual Bowman, Sr.

BOWMAN, Mr. Manual Sr. - Age 81, passed away Thursday, May 12, 2016 at his residence. Family hour 12:00 p.m. Monday, May 23, 2016 at Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 N. Ballenger Hwy., with funeral service commencing at 1:00 p.m. Rev. Faith Green-Timmons Pastor. Interment Sunset Hills Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 12:00 p.m. Monday. Mr. Bowman will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. with family present Sunday. Mr. Manual Bowman, Sr. was born December 20, 1934 in Jonesville, Louisiana to Elizabeth (Hollins) and Champ Bowman. He was a proud family man. Manual loved and was most proud of his family. He touched the lives of so many people and leaves those memories as well as his legendary sayings within each of those that he touched. Manual has five children, seventeen grandchildren, thirty-five great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, one expected great-great-grandchild, has been married and divorced twice and had lots of great family and friends. He was a true believer of Christ and a man of conviction. Manual leaves a tremendous legacy for all to continue to build upon. He was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church where he was a part of the Male Chorus, served as Usher and previously assisted with custodial services. Manual loved his church home, loved singing with the Male Chorus and loved to usher. He was also a former member of the Elks IBPOEW Genesee Temple #550 Vehicle City Lodge #1036, Masons and Genesee County Uniformed Security in Ministry. Manual loved cooking, especially bar-b-que; and would challenge anyone on the grill. He also loved his hats; he loved singing and all genres of music (gospel, blues, R & B and jazz). Manual spent his time with his family (Sunday dinners, birthday celebrations, holiday and Kwanzaa celebrations, and family vacations). He loved all types of sports, and also enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, playing bingo, cards and dominos. After graduating from Catahoula Parish Training School in Jonesville, Louisiana in 1954, Manual journeyed to Flint, Michigan in quest of a job with General Motors. He realized that dream gaining employment with General Motors. After three or four years of working for General Motors, Manual was affected by a lay-off and returned to Louisiana. He was then drafted into the Army. He received an Honorable Discharge due to health reasons after a short time of service. Manual was later recalled to General Motors returning to Flint, Michigan in 1960. He was also instrumental in assisting others with entry into General Motors. After several failed attempts to get in General Motors by family members and friends, Manual assisted and coached them with the application process, at times even completing the application for them. He was employed with General Motors for 33 years working his way from production, to foreman, to Supervisor. Manual was also a member of UAW Local #599. He retired on May 1, 1988 as Supervisor of Quality Control at Buick Motor Company, a division of General Motors. Mr. Manual Bowman, Sr. leaves to cherish his memories: three daughters, Gail Bowman (Terry), Melita Bowman-Murphy and Carliss Bowman; two sons, Manual (Shielah) Bowman Jr. and Darryl Bowman (Sonia); loving companion, partner, previous wife, caregiver and friend, Ruthie Bowman; seventeen grandchildren, Corlonda Bowman-Williams, Tromondae Murphy (Trihasa), Damontae Scott, Desondra Bowman, Terrell Harris, Sharonda Bowman (Desmond Sr.), Manual Bowman III, Ti’Lesha Bowman (Donnell), Oscar (Brandi) Saenz, Roemon Murphy, Mondrae Murphy, Monroe Murphy III, Kizwana Bowman-Gill, Laryail Pinson, Keighlis Jordan, Nathanial Bowman and JaVon Cuba; thirty-five great-grandchildren, Dazjah, Acajah (Kristin), Imani, Dakari, Serenity, Amiah, Madison, Ayden, Manual IV, Jaivonni, Kayliahna, Zy'Anthony, Emma, Zoey, Lylah, Jordan, Sekai, Averi, Noah, Destiny, NaSkyah, MyAziah, Alaysha, ZaMirr, Tromondae Jr., Shaniece, Amare', Aniya, Alijah, Marquinn, Aaliyah, Desmond Jr., Dallas, Xavier and Dillon; one great-great-grandchild, Jayce; one expected great-great-grandchild, Ava; brother, WC (Beulah Mae) Bowman; special family relatives and friends, former daughter-in-law, Bonnie Bowman; god-given daughter, Sonya White; former son-in-law, Monroe Murphy, Jr.; family pet, Khloe; good friend and fellow church member, O.T. Perry; friend, Henry Wedlow; friend and fishing buddy, Darryl Stone, and Carolyn Brock; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his Bethel United Methodist Church family. Mr. Bowman was preceded in death by his newborn daughter, Shirley Bowman; newborn son, Daniel Bowman; parents, Elizabeth (Hollins) and Champ Bowman; maternal grandparents, Jack and Janie (Kittling) Hollins; paternal grandparents, Emmanuel and Chaney Bowman; sisters, Mary Gildersleeve and Mozella Bowman; brother, Champ Bowman, Jr.; mother-in-law, Marie Wilkerson; father-in-law, Wade Wilkerson; and god-given grandson, LaRhon Williams. The family would like to express special thanks to caregivers, granddaughter Kizzy; previous wife Ruthie; son Darryl who stayed night after night, our family for being who we are, all who ran errands, came to sit, talk and pray with our Dad or brought food, Dr. Naik, Burton DaVita Home Dialysis, Heartland Home Health Care, Rev. Faith Green Timmons, Gregory Timmons and Rev. Dr. Andrew A. Allie.

Mr. Manual Bowman, Sr.

December 20, 1934 - May 12, 2016