Peggy “Mimi” Neely Bowman

Peggy “Mimi” Neely Bowman, 68, of Beaumont, died Monday, May 19, 2025. She was born on December 23, 1956, in Kirbyville, to Athernor Morris and Olen K. Neely.

Peggy was raised in the small town of Kirbyville, Texas, one of seven sisters and two brothers, though only one of the boys lived in the house with them. With that many siblings under one roof, there was never a dull moment. As a little girl, Peggy was shy and quiet. She was a true mama’s girl who steered clear of trouble and tried her best to steer clear of school too. More than once, she was found hiding under the front steps when she was supposed to be in class.

Growing up, one of her favorite spots was the bridge near our home. We shared a lot of laughs and secrets there, more often than not, sneaking one of daddy’s cigarettes when we thought no one was watching. That old bridge became a place full of memories.

We used to tease Peggy, knowing how easily she blushed. She was easy to embarrass, which only made us mess with her more. But when the music came on, the shy girl disappeared. Peggy loved to dance. She was a free spirit, definitely the hippie of the family and she truly believed she looked just like Cher! And honestly, she wasn’t far off. She had the long legs, the beautiful dark hair, and that smooth olive skin. She was a beauty.

Eventually, Peggy moved away from home and made her life in Silsbee, Texas. But no matter where she went, the memories we shared and the bond we had as siblings stayed strong.

When Peggy became a mother, her journey began with heartbreak. Her first child, Chasity, passed away shortly after birth, a loss that left a lasting scar. Later, she found love thanks to her sister Barbara, sending her in a blind date and married Lawrence “Jay” Ashcraft. Together, they had two children, Meagan and Matthew. Jay passed away in 2006, but during their time together, Peggy poured everything she had into raising their kids. Her world revolved around them. She never missed a school event and did whatever she could to give them the best life possible.

Eventually, Peggy remarried once more. This time, it was to her sweetheart, the man who became the only grandfather her grandchildren would ever know. They lovingly called him “Grampy.”

When Meagan gave birth to Peggy’s first grandchild, she named her Chasity, in honor of her late sister. From that moment, everything changed. Peggy already thought her children were the best thing since sliced bread but Chasity stole her heart completely. She was the apple of her Mimi’s eye. While Peggy adored all her grandchildren, Chasity, as the firstborn, held a uniquely special place in her heart.

Soon came more blessings: Meagan’s son Slay, and Matthew’s children, Eli and Serenity. These four kids became her entire universe. In her eyes, they could do no wrong they were perfect, and she loved them with every ounce of her being.

Peggy was the kind of grandmother who mailed cards for every holiday, even the ones most people forget. She shared her passions for gardening, crafting, and her down-to-earth way of living with them. She was never afraid to get messy, often rolling around on the ground, playing in the mud and rain, laughing and getting dirty right alongside them. There are hundreds, maybe thousands of videos of Mimi dancing, singing, and making memories with her grandkids.

Peggy leaves behind a tremendous void in all of our lives. Her love, her joy, and her presence were larger than life and she will be deeply missed by every single one of us.

Survivors include her children, Meagan Mejia and her husband, Cristian, of Beaumont, and Matthew Ashcraft and his wife, Heather, of Pearland; grandchildren, Chasity Mejia, Jordan “Slay” Mejia, Elis Ashcraft, and Serenity Ashcraft; sisters, Beth Stivender, Barbara Roberts, Pamela Metcalf, and Sally Jones; and friend-in-love, Kathi Gomez and Cheryl Reeves.

Peggy is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Thomas Bowman; daughter, Chasity Parker; and siblings, William Neely, Brenda Burnes, Joyce Neely, and Kenneth Neely.

A gathering of Mrs. Bowman’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 23, 2025, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Broussard’s, with her graveside service to follow at 1:00 p.m., Watson Chapel Cemetery, 13126 Highway 87, Kirbyville.