Josephine Lyon Bowers Thoms' Obituary
Josephine “Josie” Lyons Bowers Thoms, of Annapolis, Maryland passed away peacefully, at the
age of 99 on September 2, 2022. She was born on September 14, 1922 in Lansing, Michigan, to
Raymond Lyon and Adele Hammond Bowers. Josephine is preceded in death by husbands Bert
Thoms, and Peter Lauck and granddaughter Joanna Adele Beans.
Josie, as she was fondly called, is well known for her artistic and creative talents. At the age of
14, Josie began painting. She loved to draw and paint beach scenes, boats, and animals. She
graduated from Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan, studied with the National Academy of
Design in New York, and obtained a Master of Fine Arts Degree from the Maryland Institute
College of Art in Baltimore, MD. Josie’s talent led her to her job with the State of MD as the
scenic river illustrator, and she also did crime prevention art illustrations for the Annapolis Police
Department and mannequin paintings for the Banneker Douglass Museum.
Onset, Massachusetts is where Josie would spend her summers and maintained her art studio and
gallery in the house that was built by her great grandfather in 1885. Aside from painting, Josie
enjoyed playing the piano, sailing, baking, and spending quality time with family and friends.
She is survived by her daughter Adele Beans, son-in -law who resides in Florida Lieutenant
Robert Beans, ret., grandsons Mark, Joseph, Jeffrey (Melissa), Kevin (Erica), Todd, Nathan and
David, granddaughters Erika (Ricky), Tara (Ryan), Jennifer and Amanda (Zack), thirty-two great
grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. She will always be remembered as
loving, kind, compassionate and thoughtful.
The family of Josephine Lyon Bowers Thoms wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Ms.
Vida and Holy Hills Assisted Living in Bowie, MD for their kindness, care and support for the
last five months.
Please join the family as we celebrate Josie’s life. Per Josie’s request, please wear the color
orange. Funeral service details to be announced when available.
Tributes for the service, flowers and donations can be sent to Lasting Tributes, 814 Bestgate
Road, Annapolis, MD. Condolence cards for the family may be sent to 3092 Sussex Place; Riva,
MD 21140
What’s your fondest memory of Josephine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Josephine?
Share a story where Josephine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Josephine you’ll never forget.
How did Josephine make you smile?
