Celebrating the Life of
Bertie Bowman
April 12, 1931 — October 25, 2023
Obituary
Bertie peacefully passed away on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. He was the longest- serving African American Congressional staff member on Capitol Hill with over 65 years of service. A proponent of unconditional kindness, he's formed many enduring friendships throughout his career on Capitol Hill.
By the mid-1950's, Bowman had established himself as a jack-of-all trades around the Capitol. With each step, Bowman's 'can-do' attitude turned him into a mentor, advocate, community leader and even a published author. Bowman held several jobs in the U.S. Senate ultimately rising to become the Assistant Hearing Coordinator for the United States Senate's Foreign Relations Committee--a job he loved for many years.
Mr. Bowman became a member of the Board of Directors of the United States Senate Federal Credit Union in 1975 which included two terms as Board Chair. On May 9, 2019, The Board of Directors dedicated their new national headquarters building in his name.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine King Bowman, and daughter, Arnetta Bowman. He leaves to cherish his loving memory, six children, Gregory Bowman (Laura), Charlene Bowman-Smart, Wilbert "Sal" Bowman, Bertie "Benjie" Bowman (Natasha), Gloria Tetteh and LaUanah King-Cassell (Theodore); two brothers, Larry Bowman (Lisa) and Jimmy Bowman (Joyce); one sister, Dorothy Floyd (Ellis); 17 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; one great great-grand child; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Services
Wake/Viewing
Tuesday, November 7, 2023, 9:00 am - 11:00 am Eastern Time
13901 Central Avenue, Upper Marlboro Maryland 20774
Evangel Cathedral Heaven's Sanctuary RSVP used for planning only. Not necessary to RSVP for more than element of the celebration.
Funeral Service (In-Person)
Tuesday, November 7, 2023, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Eastern Time
13901 Central Ave, Upper Marlboro Maryland 20774
Evangel Cathedral Heaven's Gate Sanctuary (Immediately following Viewing) RSVP used for planning only. Not necessary to RSVP for more than element of the celebration.
View details
Interment/Gravesite Service
Tuesday, November 7, 2023, 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Eastern Time
Lincoln Memorial Cemetary
4001 Suitland Road Suitland, Maryland (Immediately following Funeral) RSVP used for planning only. Not necessary to RSVP for more than element of the celebration.
Memories and Condolences
Please share a photo or video, or post a heartfelt condolence to the family.
My heartfelt condolences to the Bowman Family!! My thoughts and prayers are with you all on today.
Wishing we were there to say goodbye.. Vernette and Rosa forever your blood. We love you!
Love you granddad you left a strong legacy
We will miss you dearly ♥️
I always remebered the days you come thru South Carolina visiting my mom the late Annie E Bowman House, with good laughable moments...Uncle Bertie may you Sleep In Peace..🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🥲
There is a special place - memories I’ll always cherish — The resemblance of you and my Dad Robert Bowman, Jr. was remarkable and the relationship between the 2 of you was endearing — Rest in Paradise, Uncle Bertie you’ve done work —- Glory to God #myforeveruncle
Mr. Bertie was the Best neighbor we had ever had. He welcomed us into the neighborhood with open arms. My girls often went over his house to “get ice” from his freezer but we knew they only wanted to go over and spend some time with him and hear his stories about working on Capitol Hill and how he ended up here in DC. We will miss his welcoming smile and bodacious laughter. The Durham family would like to send condolences to Ms. LaUanah, Ms. Anne Marie and the rest of the family. Thank you for sharing him with us.
He was an amazing man and a wonderful uncle. I’ll miss you. Adrienne Learn a little more about him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmNzI5TQBVk&t=287s
May God comfort you, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Cousin Bertie you will be truly missed. You have left a legacy beyond measure. Thanks for allowing me to be in your space cousin!
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bowman, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. I have heard amazing things about Mr. Bowman; he has made such remarkable and everlasting impressions/impacts to those who have known him personally and those who have come in contact with him. I send my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Bowman family. I hope that each of you find peace knowing that you have all of our support here at USSFCU and that many people love and care for Mr. Bowman and his family.
Send Gifts and Donations
Show your support by sending a sympathy gift or making a donation.
