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M. Lisa Bowie-Moon, 56, Skyline Graduate Passes With No Regrets for Her Life

Published

6 years ago

June 3, 2020

Lisa Bowie-Moon was born on August 13, 1964, in Oakland, CA. She is better known as Lisa and Li to her family.

She is the second daughter of six between the union of Wilma Jean and John F. Moon. Both were from Monroe, Georgia and both are deceased, including their first daughter, “Baby Darla,” who passed shortly after birth.

Lisa had an interest in all that life had to offer to name a few, she loved and supported the performing arts. She played and owned her own clarinet, participated in the yearly Christmas Pageants, owned her own bowling ball with shoes, pool stick with case and did all kinds of ballerina performances. As a Skyline graduate, Lisa went on to acquire her AA from the East Bay Community College and then her B.A. at Almeda University with a major in Accounting. Lisa Mastered the art of accounting and financial competencies and statements.

Lisa met her future husband, Michael A. Bowie on July 19, 1983. They kept running into each other over the course of several years, always picking up where they left off, even after forming their union. At one time they worked in the same building on the same floor, but for different companies.

Lisa’s biggest joy and interest were the uprisings of the youth. She had a natural “motherly” gift of both wisdom and compassion toward bringing out the best in children. She helped rear five children, none of them were her biological children. She would up left the relationship between parents and their children. She had countless positive influences with children throughout her lifetime. Lisa had a heartfelt talent of giving a perspective that would maintain the growth and integrity of each individual child regardless of their situation and circumstances.

On June 8, 2000, Michael and Lisa made common law commitment to each other. Michael put her on the real property, Lisa changed her name to M. Lisa Bowie-Moon and each did a ring exchange. They became inseparable throughout the challenging conditions both collectively and individually, as well as their respective families. Coincidentally, his family was from Monroe, Louisiana.

In November 2012, Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer. She decided to go all organic and change her fast-food lifestyle. She acquired a team of holistic and traditional doctors. This was with the full support of her husband. Lisa never let cancer stop her from moving forward. She would never give the cancer power by saying “my cancer,” but rather “the cancer” or “the ‘c’ that should not be mentioned.” Lisa had fought and recovered from several illnesses, including an operation to remove 16 fibrous cells of various sizes. They were blocking her uterus and causing severe bleeding. This caused other related problems which she struggled with and also overcame.

On Nov. 12, 2013, and once the last child reached 18 in July of 2013, Michael and Lisa celebrated a reunion of vows and officially married at the City Hall of Alameda. The Mayor presided over the ceremony, four of the reared children, families, and numerous friends present. The City put the wedding on their website that is currently the most viewed. They continued with a one-horse carriage ride around Alameda and then to the reception at Pasta Pelican. The owner added special appetizers and salads beyond the agreed menu. There were volunteers playing the harp and guitar. There were students from Berkeley giving them a traditional “Mayan” spiritual union in “Aztec” costumes. There was a special cake with cupcake sidings presented to them at cost.

Afterward, there was a limousine ride to Treasure Island with picture-perfect evening weather. There was an extremely bright Northern Star looming over their heads. The scene looked more like a backdrop when they took the pictures together. Days later they set off on a 5-day cruise with a stop at their favorite place the Catalina Islands.

Prior to the wedding, they had an African Mindful-Drumming session with family and friends. The famous Kokomon Clottey from Ghana leading the session. He and his family had known the couple many years prior.

Lisa greatest business interests were in the field of accounting technologies. After many struggles in the employment systems, Lisa became proactive, innovative and highly influential, while surpassing demanding performance goals and deadlines. She then formed her own business called NMRK, Inc. She specialized in Quick Books and was quickly referred to as “QBQ”, Quick Books Queen. She became so popular in her area of expertise, that one company flew her to Long Beach. Then a helicopter ride to Avión Hospital in Catalina to straighten out their several years of neglected accounting. She received outstanding financial rewards, praises, befriended an East Indian woman who assisted her, and saved the hospital account for the company. Michael joined her on the second day of the seven-day assignment.

Lisa was rightfully convinced, upon study and actual proof within her own daily life, that All of these talents and more, were enhanced upon practicing “Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo”. Lisa then joined the SGI-USA, a Buddhist Lay Organization and practiced in Coliseum District alongside her Myoho Brothers and Sisters. Over time she introduced her entire Family. Even her estranged relationship with her father changed for the better. He and her brother attended discussion and study meetings. Lisa gladly dedicated her accounting skills and resources to the SGI and their youth division.

Lisa’s last station of employment was a Senior Staff Accountant for ConnectED. The National Center for College students entering into careers and HS students entering into college.

Lisa passed and transitioned on Feb. 27, 2020, with her husband at her side caressing her arm and chanting “Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo”, two brothers by the foot of her bed, and children coming from various parts of the USA rushing to her side.

Lisa leaves to cherish her memories: her husband, Michael A. Bowie, her siblings, Melissa Moon-Brown, Ursula Moon, Marc Moon, Lance Moon, Jeffrey Moon, Aunt Linda, Uncle Jimmie, Cousin Kris, Aunt-in-law, Romona Bowie-Mitchell, Sisters-in-law, Unikka Moon and Phyllis G. Bowie, Children: Chris Stevenson, Porsche Bowie, Anthony Bowie, Olivia (Livy) Evans-Pittman, Nicki Evans-Pittman, several Nieces and Nephews and numerous friends.

Saskia Hatvany

Posts by Saskia Hatvany

Related Topics:cancer City Hall of Aameda Oakland Skyline Graduate

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Activism

‘Hire Oakland’ Job Fair Draws 2,000, Connecting Residents to Immediate Job Opportunities

Oakland’s Hire Oakland job fair, hosted by Mayor Barbara Lee’s office, connected over 2,000 job seekers with employers, highlighting a strong demand for quality jobs and career pathways in the city.

Published

38 minutes ago

May 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Left to right: Yawo Tekpa, OPIC Manager, One Stop Operator; Sofia Navarro, Deputy City Administrator; and Ray Lankford, CEO of the Oakland Private Industry Council. Photo by Jonathan Fitness Jones.

By Post Staff

The Office of Mayor Barbara Lee, in partnership with the City of Oakland and regional employers, hosted a successful Hire Oakland job fair this week at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, bringing together job seekers and employers for a day focused on opportunity, connection, and economic mobility.

With more than 2,000 RSVPs, the event on Wednesday reflected strong demand across Oakland for access to quality jobs and career pathways. Attendees participated in on-site recruitment, application support, and hands-on workshops designed to help job seekers navigate hiring processes and prepare for interviews.

Over the course of the day, employers and community partners engaged directly with residents in a welcoming, high-energy environment centered on opportunity and hope. Participating employers included EBMUD, Samuel Merritt University, the City of Oakland, BART, PG&E, AC Transit, East Bay Regional Parks District, Southwest Airlines, FedEx, and many others offering immediate openings and career pathways across sectors.

Workforce development partners Oakland Private Industry Council (OPIC) and Lao Family Community Development provided connections to résumé support, interview coaching, and individualized job search assistance throughout the event.

The strong turnout underscores a clear reality: Oakland residents are eager for pathways into meaningful work, and sustained investment in youth and workforce programs is essential.

That is why Mayor Lee has prioritized relaunching the Oakland Police Cadet Program and the Mayor’s Youth Employment and Education Program (MYEEP)—ensuring young people have early access to paid work experience, mentorship, and long-term career pathways, according to a City press statement.

“The turnout shows what we already know—Oaklanders are ready to work, ready to grow, and ready to build their futures here at home,” said Lee. “When we connect people directly to employers and invest in young people early, we are not just filling jobs—we are changing lives and strengthening our city’s future.”

The Hire Oakland job fair is part of the City’s broader effort to strengthen workforce pipelines, expand access to good-paying jobs, and ensure Oakland residents are first in line for local opportunity.

About Hire OaklandHire Oakland is a citywide workforce initiative led by the Office of Mayor Barbara Lee in partnership with City departments, workforce development organizations, and regional employers. The program connects Oakland job seekers to real-time hiring opportunities, training resources, and career pathways.

Oakland Post

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Activism

Cassie ‘Mama C’ Lopez Honored as Oakland’s Mother of the Year

Cassandra “Mama C” Lopez, a dedicated parent, teacher, and activist, was honored as Oakland’s Mother of the Year for her unwavering commitment to community and justice.

Published

48 minutes ago

May 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Cassandra Lopez, known as “Mama C,” is surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors at Oakland’s annual Mother of Year celebration at the Morcom Rose Garden, Saturday, May 9. Photo by Mateenah Floyd-Okanlawon.

By Ken Epstein

The City of Oakland recognized Cassandra, “Mama C,” Lopez – parent, teacher, community activist, and justice warrior – as Oakland’s Mother of the Year in a celebration at Oakland’s Morcom Rose Garden on Mother’s Day weekend.

Long recognized as a leader in her community, she was nominated by District 3 City Councilmember Carroll Fife to receive the city’s 73rd annual Mother of the Year award.

Speaking at the crowded ceremony on Saturday, May 9, where Mama C received roses and a proclamation from Mayor Barbara Lee, Fife said she felt honored to nominate Lopez, an “amazing woman – a hell-raising humanitarian, for the energy, the passion, but most of all the love for community” that makes her one of those “exceptional women whose lives, exemplify love, sacrifice, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the family and community they serve.”

Cassie Lopez was born in 1945 to Pauline and Calvin Weaver, a family that had left Florida and Jim Crow for the east side of Detroit. From an early age, she was instilled with a sense of Black awareness, love, and the importance of community in the face of hardships, including poverty, freezing winters, low pay, and slum landlords.

Fifty-five years ago, she married Juan Lopez. The couple has three children and has lived for decades in a neighborhood on the edge of downtown Oakland near Mosswood Park.

Said her husband, Juan, “Mama C has been a selfless mother of our own children, and she also became a teacher. Our home became a second home for many young people. For some, it was refuge from difficult home situations, and for others, a safe place to hang out.

“Throughout the years, Mama C was sometimes a foot soldier and other times a leader, immersed in some of the biggest national and citywide struggles of the day,” Juan said. “But less known to many is the role she played day in and day out where the rubber hits the road.

“For 35 years, she has shepherded the Mosswood Park and Recreation Center – through its good and bad times. If the Center exists (and thrives) today, it has to do with Mama C, working alongside neighbors, center directors, community advisory council, and when necessary, community coalitions, city officials, the religious community, and the labor movement.”

Said Mateenah Floyd-Okanlawon, “I am an old friend of my sister here. We met in 1970 in the sugarcane fields of Cuba, where we were helping the Cuban government harvest their sugar. We have been friends ever since. She has always been someone who does not give in to despair.”

David Johnson, an educator in Oakland, was one of the neighborhood children who grew up in the community created by Mama C and her family

“Cassandra Lopez is a beacon of light, full of compassion. She has dedicated her life to quality education to the poor and working class,” serving for 40 years as a Spanish teacher in Oakland schools, he said.

“She has dedicated her life to speak truth to power, justice to the silent, and as a member of the community, she advocates for programs and resources,” he said.

In her remarks, Mama C recognized the influence and power of all mothers. “Together, we all stand on the backs of our mothers. Mothers play a special role in society. We give when we have almost nothing left to give. We hurt when some people don’t see the hurt and the pain that our families endure. But we keep on moving forward.”

Looking at what African Americans, other people of color and working people face in the country today, she said, “We are deserving of the very best because our hands, our bodies produce the wealth of world, and yet we get the least. We see our country wholesale being stolen away from us, and we are told to grin and bear it. We’re not bearing it; we’re fighting against it.”

Continuing, she said, “There’s enough wealth in this world that there should be no hunger in the world. There should be nobody without a decent place to live. Nobody should be sleeping on the street. Teachers should get the freedom to be creative and tell the stories that exist in this nation that make us strong and great.

“We have a lot to do. We cannot despair. We cannot run. People are learning, and together, collectively, we can do it.”