Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Ms. Savonnahlyn Nicole Bownes, 44, of Harlem Heights (Oak Hill), WV passed Monday, June 1, 2026 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Nikki was born September 24, 1981, she was the daughter of Cynthia Marie Preston and David Andrew Bownes.

Nikki was born with special needs. The doctors said she would not live past the age of 2. She received her wings at the age of 44. See what God will do. She accepted God into her life at an early age and sang with the choir and praise Team. She loved to sing solos. If she was not on the program to sing, she would be by the end of the service. Most of her Christian journey was taught at Fatih Tabernacle, under the leadership of Apostle Doris Adams and Pastor Sancerria Carroll. She would come to church at Faith Tabernacle on Saturdays and to First Baptist, Harlem Heights on Sundays. Nikki joined the Monday night lady’s prayer group and Tuesday night Sunday school at First Baptist Church. She was always the first to testify and thank God for the food on her table and the clothes on her back, and for all he had done for her that day. Nikki loved to travel and come back and tell everyone about her experience.

Nikki, in addition to her mother, was preceded in death by grandparents, Harry and Faye Roche; uncles, Kenneth and Harris Jr.; and aunt, Sandra Preston.

Nikki leaves to cherish precious memories her daughter, Anna Maria Bownes of Harlem Heights, WV; brother, Antonio Preston; aunts, Shirley Butler, who was her caregiver; Lisa Landis, Rebecca Roche; uncles, Joseph (Karen) Howard, Thomas (Manuela) Howard and Curtis (Cynthia) Cunningham; special friends, Rev. Herman and Mrs. Kay James; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends.

Her favorite testimony was, “I had a good day today”.

We will miss you Nikki, rest from your labor. See you on the other side.

Family directed memorial service will be 12:00PM Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Faith Tabernacle Church 135 S. Court St.
Fayetteville, WV.

Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the funeral service.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.