Monica Olivia Smith Bowers

MONICA OLIVIA SMITH BOWERS of Little Rock, Ark., and currently a resident of Long Beach, Calif., departed this life on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010. Born in Little Rock on Feb. 7, 1962, she was the youngest daughter of the late Burcy T. Westbrook Smith and Lawrence Leonard Smith Jr. A 1979 graduate of Little Rock Central High School and a 1985 graduate of the University of Central Arkansas (B.A.). Bowers began her career at First American Bank, North Little Rock. After relocating to Los Angeles, Calif., she transferred her membership from Bethel A.M.E. to First African Methodist Episcopal Church where she sang in the Unity Choir for 20 years. A 15 year employee of Pioneer Electronics Corporation. Ms. Bowers was currently a Realtor with Century 21 in Long Beach, Calif. Survivors include her father, Lawrence L. Smith Jr.; a beloved sister and brother-in-law, Sandra L. and Lorenzo Smith of Little Rock, Ark.; special cousins, Burcy (Tyronne) Hines and Derik of Oak Park, Ill., James Stocker Jr., Natalie and Stacey of Chicago, Ill. Home going services will be held Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010, 11:30 a.m., (corrected time) at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 815 West 16th Street, Little Rock. Interment will follow at Haven of Rest Cemetery. Family visitation will be Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010, 6-7 p.m., at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester St. Little Rock. (501) 372-1305.