Irene Bowers celebrated her 107th birthday on Oct. 9, marking a long, healthy life.
Bowers was born to missionary parents in Shanghai, China, on Oct. 9, 1919. She came to the United States after academy and graduated from Loma Linda School of Nursing in the early 1940s.
She and her husband, J.L. Bowers, a pastor, served together in churches in Jonesboro, Ark., Texarkana, Tex., and Chaddock, Okla., as well as several churches in California.
A gifted pianist, Bowers provided music for worship services and taught piano to children well past her 100th birthday.
As her niece, I have often heard Bowers express her hope to live until she can witness Christ’s return. She continues to greet each day as a blessing.