Alberta E. Bowman

Alberta Elizabeth Washington-Bowman was born in Sutherland, Virginia to the late John William Washington and Roberta Gossie. John William Washington was an Irish gentlemen and Roberta Gossie a Cherokee Indian. Alberta was originally named Elizabeth Washington, but later her name was changed to Alberta. She was fondly known and often referred to as “Granny” by everyone who knew and loved her so dearly. She was the 2nd youngest girl of thirteen brothers and sisters.Alberta was raised on a farm where her parents raised crops and sold them in the city. She attended school and was taught the Word of God at a young age. Alberta was a very obedient child who believed in prayer. Her brothers would laugh and tease her about praying all the time. Her mother told her she would live a long life because of her obedience, which she did.Alberta moved to Baltimore in her youth following behind her brothers and sister. She worked as a domestic worker for years and began a family. She met the late James A. Bowman and they married. From that union two additional children were added to the family, which gave them a total of ten children. Both Alberta and James loved their children very much and spent many happy years together. They taught their family to rise up early on Sunday mornings, to read the word of God and pray, to reverence God and keep His commandments. Sunday was reserved for rest and no real labor chores could be done.Granny looked well to the ways of her household, and ate not the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27). She was sure not to be slothful and was always going about the work of the Lord. She taught us to respect and love one another; to show great hospitality to guests; to demonstrate proper manners at all times ; and to respect your elders and not to talk back. The Word of God was her standard of measurement, but most importantly she led by example and never expected you to do anything she was not already doing herself.Granny operated a candy store from her West Baltimore home “The Alley Store,” which literally turned into a mini market. She sold eggs, juice, chicken, candy, ice-cream, soda, etc. If the person needed it, she would sell it. She opened her arms to the poor and extended her hands to the needy (Proverbs 31:20). She gave store credit all the time and if the bill could not be paid she would extend even more credit. She believed God would repay her because she was doing the right thing. She not only fed the needy with physical food she also nourished them with the Word of God. She was well known throughout the community. Many people have stopped her in the streets and in the markets to thank her for helping them in the countless ways that she did. People we didn’t even know or remember. She never really realized how much of an impact she had on so many people. Even though Granny never stood in a pulpit she has surely preached the Gospel too many people just in her lifestyle alone.What a Legacy she leaves! May she enjoy in glory the reward that awaits her. But to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward (Proverbs 11:48).She leaves to cherish her loving memory: three sons and daughters-in-law, James & Delores Harris, Joshua & Sylvia Matthews, Rayner & Darlene Matthews; five daughters and three sons-in-law, June Porter, Gwendolyn Wiggins, Jacqueline Jones, Roslyn & Calvin Jones, Reta & Quentin Stewart Sr., & Walter Turner; two children that passed on before her, Mary Turner and Alexander Bowman; one brother, Thomas Washington; and a host of grand, great grand and great great grandchildren, as well as many other family members and friends. THE LOVE OF GODIs to great to conceive, don’t try to explain it,Just trust and believe.

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Alberta E. Bowman

April 2, 1908 - September 27, 2004