Susan Bowman Reynolds

Susan Bowman Reynolds, daughter of the late Shearer C. and Carolyn D. Bowman, was born in Richmond, VA on August 11, 1943, and after a brief illness, died in Richmond on January 30, 2023. She leaves behind her husband and best friend of 57 years, David W. Reynolds. They lost their only son, John Paul Barclay Reynolds, when he died suddenly in August of 2020. She also was predeceased by her brother, Shearer Davis Bowman. In addition, she leaves behind a sister, Jane B. Fain(John),a brother, John A. Bowman (Ginny), granddaughters Caroline and Ali Reynolds, nieces Linda Constantini, Laura Garrett, Lisa Riley, Courtney Fain, Kate Cramer ( Evan ), Meg Conners ( Jay ), nephews Gregg Klawson, Neal Klawson ( Ling ), Jim Reynolds ( Sue ), Palmer Bowman ( Jamie ), Will Bowman ( Jessie ),John C. Fain ( Courtney ), Jae Bowman ( Katie ) and Gray Fain ( April). It was said by a good friend that Susan was a woman of substance who was always willing to eloquently express her beliefs, and who cared deeply for others. Susan was filled with the Spirit from the day, at the age of 13, her father took her and a friend to a Billy Graham crusade at the fairgrounds. She surprised her father when she went down to answer the altar call at the end of the service. She did not look back from there. Susan graduated from the Collegiate School in Richmond, and the then Randolph Macon Womans College in Lynchburg, VA. Her working career was varied, but she was proudest of being the first Director of Human Resources for Spotsylvania County, at which time she lived on a small farm in Beaverdam, VA. She was a Master Gardener who loved her vegetable and flower gardens. She earned numerous blue ribbons at the Virginia State Fair for her jellies, jams and pickles. She also raised sheep and goats and learned quickly not to name animals if you plan to eat them. She would rather people not know that she was the Kappa Sigma Fraternity entrant in the Miss Kaleidoscope yearbook contest at Hampden-Sydney College, which she won in 1965. She always claimed she won because David roomed with the editor of the yearbook. Susan battled depression for the last 35 years of her life, and she is proof that one can live a happy, fruitful life with the proper care and support. She showed great strength to the very end, and she will be missed by all who knew her. Many thanks to the team at Bons Secours Hospice who helped Susan along her final path. A family service will be held at Hollywood Cemetery in the Spring. If you would like to honor Susan, a contribution to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 6000 Grove Av., Richmond, VA 23226 would be appreciated. You may reach David Reynolds at 2300 Cedarfield Parkway, Apt 290, Henrico, VA 23233.