Leona Mae Bowers Stamps

Leona Mae Bowers Stamps
Leona Mae Bowers Stamps

The children of Leona Mae Bowers Stamps invite you to share their spiritual joy, knowing their mother took her last earthly breath on March 6, 2021, and is now rejoicing in heaven with her Lord and Savior, as well, as her beloved husband, JW Stamps, and a heavenly host of loved ones.

Leona was born on July 24, 1928, in Los Angeles, California to James Lewis Bowers and wife, Mildred Mae Rose Bowers. She and her younger brother, Jimmy, attended schools in Los Angeles, California, Pampa, and White Deer, Texas. Leona was salutatorian of the White Deer graduating class of 1946.

In 1947 after a brief courtship and a proposal of marriage, Leona and JW were married on Sunday, April 27th, in the Panhandle Church of Christ. The minister announced that after services, there was to be a wedding, and anyone was welcomed to stay. Surrounded by family and friends, the young couple was married, and began a faithful commitment to 72 years and one month of marriage, and an equal commitment to the community of believers who supported them that day. Leona was baptized into the Church of Christ. She became a beloved teacher of children and Ladies’ Bible class. She enjoyed teaching, as well as, gathering children for Vacation Bible School. Her servant heart was a blessing to the work and needs of those around her.

The young couple moved to the family farm 12 miles east of Panhandle, 10 miles south of White Deer, and 12 miles northwest of Groom, Texas. Leona was a dedicated Christian wife and mother. Caring for her home, husband, JW, three children, Gaylon Wayne, Gayle Ann, and Adelia Mae was, she believed, her designated vocation: God’s plan and purpose for her life. Of all the life skills she instilled in her children, a love for the Lord and a desire for a relationship with Him would be her greatest achievement. Although her temperament was very reserved, her gift of hospitality was exemplary. One never entered her home without being offered a meal or, at least, a drink and/or some form of dessert: usually coffee or tea with something chocolate. She was kind and compassionate to all she met and treated everyone equally. Her humble prayer language was reverently sprinkled with King James’ “Thees and Thous”. God’s light of love shone brightly through her gentle heart and sweet spirit each and every day of her 92+ years.

In 1962, JW and Leona moved their family to 701 Franklin Street, and Stamps Spraying Service to the south end of town in Panhandle. There they continued to host family and friends, adding a precious daughter -in law, and two sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to their continuously growing circle of family love. Leona always considered her family, her greatest blessing.

Early in life, Leona exhibited a talent for art. After the children were older and JW was away flying, and starting the spraying service, she began pursuing art. She enjoyed oil painting, hosting painting classes, and teaching art to her grandchildren. One of her greatest honors was having her paintings displayed at the Panhandle Square House Museum.

Leona lived her last two and a half years in Claude, Texas, at Palo Dura Nursing Home, in the memory care unit. There, she continued to share God’s light of love through her sweet spirit and appreciation for all her caregivers and fellow residents. She and her children were greatly blessed by the excellent care provided by the loving staff of the nurturing facility.

Leona was preceded in death by her husband, JW Stamps, parents, Lewis and Mildred Bowers, and brother, James Bowers and wife, Hester.

Leona is survived by her children and their spouses: son, Gaylon Stamps and wife, Pat, daughters Ann Beddingfield and husband, Gary, and Adelia Ketchum and husband, Clyde.

Grandmother Leona is survived by grandchildren: Wayne Stamps and wife, Mary, Wesley Stamps and wife, Lisa, James Stamps, Angela Pricket and husband, Danny, Carissa Davis and husband, Jason, Reese Beddingfield, Kurt Beddingfield and wife, Sheree, Kary Shadid and husband, Brady, Ellee Leland, Kendra Hittle and husband Eric, Jess Ketchum and wife, Casey, and Zachary Ketchum and wife, Lisa. Great-grandmother Leona is survived by 35 great kiddos +1 great-great-grand kiddo.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Palo Dura Nursing Home, 405 South Collins Street, Claude, Texas 79019, or your favorite charity.

Leona’s family invites you to a visitation from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. on Friday, March 12, 2021, at the Panhandle Church of Christ Family Center. Burial will be private. Memorial Service at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, March 13, 2021. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

9 Replies to “Leona Mae Bowers Stamps”

  1. I remember this sweet lady and that sweet gentle voice that in its own special way always told me I am your friend and a friend of Jesus and you are safe with me. I was only 3,4, or five not sure but I do remember the warmth and the impression she left in me. My parents, Doyle and Cora Littlefield, loved her dearly.

  2. Mrs. Leona, taught me a lot about love and kindness the I wasn’t taught as a child, she will always be in my heart. We lost a great Lady but Heaven gained an Angel! I can see her and Mr. J.W. Holding hands once more .

  3. I’m thankful for my Aunt Leona’s example of a love filled life. Her love of God now lives in and on through her children. Aunt Leona’s life is a beautiful testament to our loving creator forevermore.

  4. What a beautiful picture of your mother. She was so kind and welcoming whenever I visited in your home. I cherish the time shared with you and your family.
    Love to all,
    Edy Lou Mayfield

  5. Your mother was one of the most amazing souls I have ever been blessed to care for. My prayers and love are with you.

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