Sharon “Sherry” Kay Bowman, 65, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, formerly of Hermon and Galesburg, Illinois, died at 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 2, 2026, at Bronson Methodist Hospital.
Sherry was born March 19, 1960, in Galesburg, Illinois, the daughter of Robert D. and Donna L. (Vermillion) Hook. She was raised in Hermon and attended Abingdon schools before her family moved to Galesburg in May 1975. She graduated from Galesburg High School in 1978. She then attended Illinois Wesleyan College and later completed her studies as a medical assistant at Robert Morris College in Carthage, Illinois.
She married Steven “Jay” Bowman on June 9, 1979, in Galesburg, and from this union their beloved son, Cameron, was born. Jay and Sherry later divorced.
Sherry built a long and respected career working as a medical assistant for two medical offices in Galesburg. Then moved to Wood River and worked as a medical assistant and a phlebotomist in the St. Louis area. Sherry worked as the office manager for Kalamazoo Orthodontics for more than twenty years. She was known for her dedication and the warm personality she brought to the office each day, forming lasting friendships with coworkers and patients alike.
Outside of work, Sharon was active in her community. She was a member of the Junior League, supported the ASPCA, and enjoyed time spent at the Kalamazoo Country Club. Sharon had a natural talent for interior decorating and took great pride in creating a warm and welcoming workplace and home, both filled with memorabilia that she and Jay had collected throughout the years.
She had a special love for animals and rarely turned away any creature that wandered into her yard. Deer, cats, and even the occasional raccoon were known to find a meal waiting for them thanks to Sharon’s generous spirit. In her quieter moments, she enjoyed relaxing with her favorite programs on the Hallmark Channel and her beloved cat, Fred, on her lap.
Sherry will be remembered for her kindness, her eye for beauty, and the care she showed to both people and animals throughout her life.
She is survived by her son, Cameron (Francesca Marie) Bowman of Kalamazoo, Michigan; and her sister, Debora (John) Hagan of Galesburg, Illinois and was an incredible aunt to Johnny Hagan of Kalamazoo and Wyatt Hagan of Galesburg, never missing an occasion to send a card or a gift. She treated her nephews as if they were her own children.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Donna, her grandparents, James and Carrie Hook and Ken and Verda Vermillion and her Aunt Mary Lou Cash.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Chapel. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the Knox County Humane Society. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com.
