Judy Hodges Bowman

Mrs. Judy Hodges Bowman died Friday, March 29, 2013 at her home in Ridgeway surrounded by her loving husband and family. Judy was born August 14, 1941 to the late Mr. Claude A. Hodges and the late Mrs. Susan E. Hodges. She was a graduate of Franklin County High School, a member of the Epsilon Psi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority (a social sorority), a member of the Red Hat Club, a member of Freedom Baptist Church and above all things a wife and a mom. As one of four daughters, baby dolls easily became one of Judy’s favorite toys. Her love of babies continued into her adult life, as she cared for countless children in her home for many years. While she enjoyed other jobs including one at Prillaman’s Leather shop, caring for and loving children was her passion. She loved being a full-time mom to her favorite “babies” – her four children, Sabrina, Allen, Robert and Neal. In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Miss Emily Dale Bowman. She is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years, Mr. James Isaac Bowman; four children, Sabrina Bowman Bliss and husband Donald; James “Allen” Bowman and special friend Pamela Adams; Robert Lee Bowman and wife Kena; and Ryan “Neal” Bowman and fiancé Holly Stewart; seven grandchildren, Myra Elizabeth Bowman, Donald “Austin” Bliss, James (Jamie) Casey Bowman, Robert “Isaac” Bowman, Margaret (Maggie) Lee Bowman, Jordan Allen Bliss and Ella Stone Bowman; three sisters, Helen Hodges Plybon, Garnet Hodges Barnes and Karleen Hodges Leffue; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive visitors at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2013 at Freedom Baptist Church, Axton, VA, with a celebration of life beginning at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Larry Luffman, senior pastor of Freedom Baptist Church will serve as officiant. A graveside service will be held at Antioch Church of the Brethren, Callaway, VA, immediately following the service at Freedom. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Freedom Baptist Church Building Fund, 790 Irisburg Road, Axton, VA. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service & Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.