Anita (Bowman) Green of Mannington, WV died peacefully in her sleep on December 2, 2022. She follows her husband, Rev. Robert L. Green, one year after his passing.
Anita was proud to have grown up in McDowell County, WV. She worked in Israel Foreman’s clothing store, Martin’s Hardware and occasionally helped her sister Jo the Postmistress. She loved telling stories of the coal fields and of her dad as a coal miner, of people who would just show up for supper to eat her mom’s great cooking, and she loved to brag on graduating from “the finest high school” in Gary, WV.
She would learn the accordion and she and Ann (Dinkins) Reynolds would go on the road singing in revivals as “The Southern Sunbeams”. Later she attended Owosso Bible College and worked at Universal Electric on the line pulling a press. She and Ann continued to sing in a variety of churches, and both found great husbands at Owosso Bible College.
Marrying Robert Green, Bob and Anita pastored for a year in Chesaning, Michigan in the former Pilgrim Holiness Church and then moved to Mississippi to pastor a church in faith on $10/week. Anita would express faith in God’s provision all her life as she followed her husband to be the pastor’s wife in churches in Virginia and then West Virginia - where they transferred to the Church of the Nazarene. Though she did not feel accomplished on the piano since she played “by ear”, still she was a tremendous support to the worship ministry.
Her sons remember a mother who emphasized education as she mentored them in their elementary years: “WHEN you go to college…” And subscribed to National Geographic Kid’s Club to show them a bigger picture of the world with prizes in the mail like pan pipes from Ecuador and seashell windchimes from the Philippines… complete with large color maps.
Only God knows the impact of ministering as a pastor’s wife for 40 years! She counseled married couples in their problems and in their joys. She hosted evangelists in her home providing food and lodging. She spoke at Women’s Christian Temperance Union. She went on visitation with her husband into the hospitals, hills, and hollows of WV to pray with people in need. Later in life she would call people on the phone to have prayer or write an encouraging note. Anita was a bit of a poet and a painter, writing verse for special occasions and painting Bible verses on small stones for people’s encouragement.
Because of her continued hope and faith in Jesus Christ we believe she stands in the presence of Christ in Paradise! The family greatly appreciates her son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Angel Green, who graciously cared for Anita and Bob in their later years. Anita is survived by one brother, Vic Bowman; two sons, Rev. Mark (Marcia) Green and Jon (Angel) Green; two loving granddaughters Hillary (Ian) Cole and Lauren (Eddie) Rinen; two loving grandsons Caleb and Isaac; great grandchildren Elijah, Josie and Avelina.
Her grandchildren say they will remember “Nanny” as a voracious reader who loved to learn. She was feisty yet gentle with a great empathy for people. They remember her as loving and witty, praying for them every day!
The family will have a private celebration of life in the spring. Memorial contributions in Anita’s name can be mailed to: Christian Appalachian Project Attn: Memorials PO Box 55911 Lexington, Kentucky 40555-5911. Masters Funeral Home in Mannington has been placed in care of the final arrangements.
Condolences
DEAR MARK & JON:
PLEASE ACCEPT OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY OVER THE LOSS OF YOUR MOTHER. SHE AND YOUR FATHER WERE GOOD CUSTOMERS OF MINE AT SHOE TOWNE AND WE CONSIDERED THEM GOOD FRIENDS AS WELL. ALWAYS ENJOYED TALKING WITH THEM WHENEVER WE MET. GOD GRANT YOU THE STRENGTH TO OVERCOME THIS GREAT LOSS.
My memory of Mrs. Green was that of a loving, beautiful person. It’s been many years since I’ve had the pleasure of seeing her, but I will always remember her kindness and overall sweet disposition. Thoughts and prayers to you, Jonathan, my classmate, and to your family. It’s never easy to lose a mother, but you were blessed beyond measure to have her in your lives, and honored with the privilege of caring for her to the end. God bless. Brenda Daniel Clark
To All the Green Family: We don't have to tell you what a special lady Anita was (and what a wonderful obituary!) ...but she sure was special to us...always so encouraging and uplifting to this pastor and wife when we needed a boost....a good listener...certainly a faithful prayer warrior....a mentor to many (including me, Pam)....and we loved her like family. We know she will be missed, but she's with the love of her life (both Jesus AND Bob!) ....and MANY others whose lives she touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love...Jerry & Pam Bush