Clarence Bowers

Clarence Jerome Bowers is the fifteenth of sixteen children born August 22, 1951 to the late Jessie Bowers, Sr. and late Anner Shorter Bowers in Pine Bluff, AR.  Although most of his siblings moved North, Clarence remained in Pine Bluff where the farthest he would move would be on the Northside of town.  He loved the “NORTHSIDE” Community.  He attended Elementary and High School in the Townsend Park School System (now Pine Bluff School Dist.).  While in his 20’s Clarence began dating Sandra Battles. She remained his longtime companion until her death October 27, 2009.  Clarence continued to be a part of her children’s life until his death.  James Jackson, Steve Jackson and Kenyata Baker aka Minnie.

Clarence accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Kings Highway MB Church by Pastor J. L Lawson.  He loved to sing and in his youth was a member of the Inspirational Choir.  He also sang with The Gospel Commandments Quartet.  Clarence was a faithful member of Kings Highway until his health declined.  He served faithfully under the leadership of Pastors:  J. L. Lawson, Rev. Nathaniel Campbell, Stephen A Marsh, Walter C. May, Sr. and Anthony J. Howard.

Clarence worked at Townsend Park Recreation Center and he mowed lawns.  He loved to repair lawnmowers.  He was well known in the community for his love of basketball, singing and for training dogs.  He had a smile and a kind word for everyone he met.  He was a quiet, kind-hearted, giving person.  Clarence was slow to anger but would speak his mind and let you know if someone hurt his feelings.  Throughout his life trials and tribulations, he knew the Lord and leaned and depended on His guidance.  The community affectionately called him “Sugar Bear”.  His favorite pastime was watching The Western Channel and listening to gospel music.

Health concerns led him to move with his daughter, Kenyata.  He left his beloved NORTHSIDE and moved to Mt. Pleasant, TX.  After 4 years he persuaded her to move back to Pine Bluff on the NORTHSIDE.  She promised to care for him like he cared for her when she was young.  Kenyata was his Angel on Earth, on assignment from God with a servant heart.  She sacrificed for him as he had done for her.  A true example of the cycle of life.  His life was blessed because of the love and attention his daughter showered upon him.

On Thursday, August 18, 2022, Clarence answered the call of his Lord and Savior at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Kenyata (Brian) Baker in Pine Bluff.  He joined his parents; his 11 siblings:  James Z. Walker, Katie Bowers, Rozean Bowers, Ruthie Lee McFadden, Lucy Anderson, Resea Lee Bowers, George Bowers, Georgeanna Bowers, Jessie Bowers, Jr., Johnny Bowers, Sr. and David Elijah Bowers; his beloved sister-in-laws, Dena Walker, May Helen Oliver Bowers and Osceola AngenettaBowers; brother-in-laws; Lee Andrew McFadden, Sr., Rev. John Wesley Anderson and Eddie Morton.

Clarence leaves to cherish his life a loving and devoted daughter:  Kenyata(Brian) Baker. Two sons:  James Jackson of Jacksonville, AR and Steve Jackson of Pine Bluff, AR. Two Sisters:  Louise Morton of Milwaukee, WI and Shirley Everlena Bowers of Pine Bluff, AR.  Two Brothers:  William Henry Bowers of Milwaukee, WI and Curlee (Fern) Bowers, Sr. of Pine Bluff, AR.  Three grandchildren:  Tyrone (Gabrielle) Payne, Tyrese Lancaster and Samantha Austin.  Two great-grandchildren:  Kylie Payne and Kuwan Farris, Jr.  A host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends will also miss him.  

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven; A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant, and a timeto pluck up that which is planted.  Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

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