Smyrna Good Samaritan Bids Goodbye

After almost two decades of service to Smyrna’s children, one of the city’s most beloved volunteers is moving away to expand her ministry, but not before being recognized by the mayor and city council.

At the Smyrna City Council meeting Monday, Teri Anulewicz, Ward 3 council member, read a proclamation honoring Regina Bowers, better known as Ms. B, for her years of service to Smyrna.

“Ms. B was actually one of the first people I heard from when I was sworn in back in 2008,” Anulewicz said. “She wanted to introduce me to her ministry and the work that she did with the youth and the community; to let me know about the block parties that she did. She has never sought any recognition for what she does. She has never done it to glorify anything except her vision and her mission and I just have a great deal of respect for her and everything she does.”

Ms. B, who moved to Smyrna in 1993, always felt that God was calling her to serve children. Since living in Smyrna she’s worked with children at Rose Garden School, and, but she’ll be most remembered for her work with children in her neighborhood.

Ms. B moved to Hawthorne Circle in 2005 and began teaching a Saturday bible study for children aged 3 to 12, but she didn’t stop there. With help from Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, , NorthStar Church, Faith Christian Center and Destiny Church, Ms. B made sure the children in her neighborhood had school supplies, Thankgsiving dinners and toys at Christmas.

Ms. B’s kids have especially enjoyed her block parties, which are held twice a year and feature music, dancing, water slides and snow cones.

“I’m in an area where there’s no playground and the kids don’t get a chance to go anywhere,” Ms. B said. “I travel more than they do, so that’s why I try to bring things from the community to expose them to. And I tell them with God in your heart, there’s nothing you can’t do.”

Sadly for the Smyrna community, Ms. B will be hosting her final block party on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. Although Ms. B is dedicated to the children in her community, she said she’s been called to continue her education as a means of expanding her ministry. She’ll be moving to Kennesaw in the coming weeks to be closer to her classes at Kennesaw State University.

Ms. B said she’s excited for the change, but will miss her neighbors.

“But the kids—I don’t know how I’m going to deal with that,” she said. “You should see I’m packing and crying and packing and crying.”

Ms. B hasn’t told the kids of Hawthorne Circle that she’s moving yet, but in a letter to their parents she left them with some words to live by: “There’s nothing you can’t do or achieve in your life; dream big, think big and respect your parents, for you will live long. Always give thanks for the people whom God sends your way because you never know how long they will be among you.”