Stephenie A. Bowman

Stephenie Ann Bowman, 74, of Pekin, passed away peacefully at 3:25 a.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by family. Born on February 21, 1951, in Pekin, Illinois, to James N. "Ink" and Della (Antonini) Thomas, Stephenieaffectionately known as Stephlived a life defined by faith, love, and devotion to those around her. On March 1, 1968, Steph married John L. Bowman in Pekin, beginning a joyful union that spanned 57 wonderful years. She was preceded in death by her father, Ink; her granddaughter, Taryn Jean Bowman; and her sister, Kathy Pearson. Steph is survived by her mother, Della; her beloved husband, John; her two sons, Jerry (Shawn) Bowman and John P. (Nicole) Bowman; and her five grandchildren: Kelsa Bowman, Elli Bowman, and John Brandon Bowman (Hailey Weideman), all of Peoria, Lakyn Bowman (Kody Kail) of Jackson, Tennessee, and Logyn Bowman of Columbus, Ohio. She also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Lyla Bowman and Valentino Graham III; her brother, Gordon (Linda) Thomas of Hopedale; her brother-in-law, Howard Pearson of Pekin; her sister-in-law, Diana Higgs (Brian DeWitt) of Pekin; her brother-in-law, Larry (Cathy) Bowman of Pekin; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Steph retired in June 2019 from SEAPCO in Bartonville, where she left behind her "dear peeps" after years of dedicated service. A faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin, she served as an Extraordinary Minister, was part of the WATCH team, and taught CCD for a decade. For over 20 years, she sang with "The Joyful Sounds" music group alongside Barb, Barb, Elsa, Kris, Trudy, and Mary Anne, bringing harmony to church services, retreats, nursing homes, and weddings. Stephs life was enriched by her passions: spending time with family and friends, cheering on her children and grandchildren at their sports and school events, reading and surrounding herself with books, and creating beautiful needlework. She cherished travelingespecially with her familyand dabbled in golf, not so much for the game but for the company it brought. Known for her selflessness, Steph always put others needs first, looking out for everyone with a caring heart. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin, with Father Michael Andrejek as celebrant. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 3:15 pm the evening prior on Monday, April 14 at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory in Pekin. A visitation will follow from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. also on Monday. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Angel Flight, Wounded Warriors, or St. Jude Childrens Hospitalcauses close to Stephs heart. Stephenie Ann Bowmans legacy of love, faith, and generosity will live on in the countless lives she touched. To view the livestream of Steph's Mass, visit Steph's Funeral Mass Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, April 15, 2025 10:00 AM St. Joseph Catholic Church 303 S. 7th St Pekin,IL 61554 Rosary Service Monday, April 14, 2025 3:15 PM Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Monday, April 14, 2025 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554