of Little Rock, AR

April 11, 1939 - December 25, 2024

Esther Lou ''Betty'' Bowman, 85, of Little Rock, AR left this world for her heavenly home on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024. Born in Little Rock, AR to David Eli and Margaret Corbit Brashers, she is preceded in death by her parents; by the love of her life, her husband, Norman Dudley Bowman; her three sisters, Elzada Brashers, Ruthel Corbit and Shirley Eddy and a brother, Harold (Sonny) Brashers.

She is survived by her four daughters, Cindi Holleman (Dennis), Kathy Surginer (Jon), Dawna Brewer and Pamela Davidson (David) and a chosen son, Victor Paulette. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren: David ''Clay'' Holleman, Brandi Nicole Holleman, Jon Michael Surginer II, Tiffany Surginer, James Brewer II (Shannon), Kristal Brewer, Christopher Bowman, Chazley Davidson, Lee Davidson (Ansleigh), Cody Davidson; 13 great-grandchildren: Hensley Richardson, Logan Clark, Landon Clark, Alissah Cotton, Lilyan Hill, Alexis Davidson, Maci Davidson, Gunnar Davidson, Eli Davidson, Kailey Davidson, Skyla Davidson, Oakleigh Stokes and Rayleigh Stokes; many nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

Esther was very proud of the many years she served as a homemaker for her husband and children and as a ''baby sitter'' for many children. She had a servant's heart and was a caregiver not only to her family but also to many in her community. When her husband became disabled, Esther took a job at Foam Packing until her sister-in-law had a stroke and Esther moved her into her home where she served as her caregiver for many years. Esther's most cherished role was that of ''Grandma'' to not only her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but also ''Grandma'' or ''Miss Betty'' to many, many other children.

Esther came from very humble beginnings. She was born in her family's shot-gun house in College Station (just outside of Little Rock) where she lived until she married her husband at the age of 15 years. Her first daughter was born 14 months after she married, followed by three more daughters by the time she was 21 years old. Even though she was so young, she was the best mom…always putting the care of her children first. She ''chose'' her only son, Victor, many years later when he was her supervisor at Foam Packaging. She was so afraid to re-enter the work force but Victor helped her to understand her worth and their relationship continued for the rest of her life.

She was beautiful, intelligent and kind. She had the most beautiful ''Brashers'' blue eyes, a smile that would light up a room and she never met a stranger. Throughout her life she lived the high morals and standards that she learned from her Pentecostal mother. She was never judgmental and her love was unconditional. She loved and supported you during good times and bad times.

Esther loved God, her family, her country, the American flag and the Statue of Liberty, which she had the opportunity to see during a trip to New York. She enjoyed all genres of music with two of her favorite songs being "Sunshine on My Shoulders" (John Denver) and "Proud to Be an American" (Lee Greenwood). She also loved listening to the Singing Yarberrys sing in church. Her favorite artists were Thomas Kincaid, also known as the Painter of Light and Norman Rockwell. She had the pleasure of visiting the Norman Rockwell exhibit while it was on display at the Crystal Bridges Museum. She enjoyed spending time with family, viewing nature from her front porch, home improvement projects, gardening, Word Search puzzles and shopping (especially yard sales). Her collections included vintage Bibles, Harriet Beecher Stowe poetry books, recipe books and holistic healing books.

Her family would like to thank Dr. Hunter Holthoff; Dr. Emily Holthoff; Dr. Franklin John Gray and the UAMS Comprehensive Care at Home program staff and the Gentiva Hospice staff for the care and compassion they provided over the years.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life for Esther on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11:30am in the Chapel of Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock. The family will hold a visitation beginning at 11:00am until service time. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander.

While flowers are welcomed as an expression of sympathy, donations may also be sent to the Burn Center at Arkansas Children's Hospital.

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