Barbara Martin Bowman

Barbara Jean Martin Bowman, 77, of Rocky Mount passed away, Wednesday, May 17, 2017, from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Mary Martin; her brother, Jack Martin; and sister, Eleanor Martin. Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Jack Bowman; her children, Suzanne and Tony Deibler, Stephen and Orkhon Bowman; grandchildren, Tony Deibler, Tori Deibler, Zaya Bowman, and Noah Bowman; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Vivian and Jim Prillaman, Garland and Betty Bowman; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Barbara grew up in Roanoke, where she graduated from William Fleming High School. She was a longtime member of Antioch Church of the Brethren where she served as a lifetime deacon, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and was active in the Sunshine Circle. Barbara cherished her role as mother and grandmother; cooking and baking for her family was a favorite pastime. She was also an accomplished seamstress and avid crafter; collecting also brought her pleasure – her shelves were filled with angels and cookbooks. Special thanks to Good Samaritan Hospice for their excellent care, and to Barbara’s dedicated caregivers. An extra special thank you to Andrea Jones – we are eternally grateful for your loving care the last eighteen months of Barbara’s life. You will always be a part of our family. Friends may call from 6 to 8 pm Sunday, May 21 at Antioch Church of the Brethren. Funeral services will be Monday, May 22 at 11 am at Antioch with burial to follow at the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Antioch Church of the Brethren, 2996 Callaway Road, Rocky Mount, VA 24151. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.