Waiva Jean Bowers

March 23, 1930 - March 23, 2025

With hearts full of love, we celebrate the life of Waiva Jean Bowers, who passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on March 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a friend to many. Her life was a testament to love, family, and faith.

Waiva, better known to her friends as Jean, was born in Falls City, Nebraska to parents Beulah and Herman Oberst. She attended Falls City High School where she met her husband, Delbert Duane Bowers. She married Duane in 1950, and together they built a loving home filled with many good memories. Before his passing in 2016, they celebrated 65 years of marriage.

In the early years of their marriage, Jean and Duane lived a military life, moving often, living stateside and overseas with their two children, Debbie and Brent. In 1974, following Duane’s Military Retirement, The Bowers’ proudly opened Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, where Jean played an instrumental role in launching the business. In their later years, Jean and Duane thoroughly enjoyed their time together traveling, often with their family and friends.

Jean had a passion for volunteering, church activities, spending time with her family, writing letters to loved ones, completing crossword puzzles, and being prompt for her weekly hair appointment each Thursday at 11am. She was an active member of Skyline Baptist Church for over 60 years, where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir.

Jean’s greatest joy was her family, to whom she is better known as ‘Grams,’ ‘Grandma,’ and ‘Neenz.’ She kept up with all of her loved ones via text, emojis included, until her final days.

She is survived by her two children, Debbie Hand and Brent Bowers; four grandchildren: Shelly Bowers, Ryan (Kara) Harper, Whitney Harper, and Nathan Bowers who adored her and were effective in drawing out her sharp wit. Jean also had eight great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that Jean lived a full life with determination, humor, and love.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 26 from 5:00-8:00 PM at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen. Jean’s Funeral service will be held on March 27, at 1:00PM, at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen. Burial will follow at Killeen City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the non-profit organization, ‘Tunnel to Towers’, www.t2t.org