Pansy Bowling

COOKEVILLE, TN/PRINCETON, WEST VIRGINIA-Pansy Ruth Easter Bowling, a beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully from natural causes on July 16, 2023, in Cookeville, Tennessee. She was 92 years old. Born on May 6, 1931, to Okie Hampton and Ibera May Edwards Easter in Elgood, West Virginia, as one of 10 children. A beacon of strength, love, and resilience for her family and friends.

Pansy’s life was deeply rooted in love and family. On September 27, 1947, she married her husband of 54 years, William “Bill” Ray Bowling. Together, they raised seven children: Brenda, Linda, Sheila, Bill, Rita, Glen, and John. Each child is a testament to their parents’ unwavering love and devotion.

She was famous for her generous hugs, loving spirit, and steadfast commitment to her family. She was a constant source of warmth, wisdom, and guidance for her children. Her legacy is carried on by her children, who continue to embody her values of love, resilience, and family unity. Despite the loss of her husband, Bill, in 2002, Pansy's strength never faltered. She remained a pillar of support for her family, always ready with a comforting word or a helping hand.

Throughout her life, Pansy held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those who surrounded her. Her strong belief in the values of love, patience, and forgiveness were the guiding principles of her life.

Her life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and family. Her passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and love her. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the remarkable life she lived and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.

Mom was an amazing woman as depicted by her children’s memories.

Brenda’s most memorable moment is as a small child when she was dressed in her Sunday best, and she was walking past the open kitchen window when Mom threw out the dish water.

Linda tells when they lived near the Butler Family. Their children were throwing rocks at us. We started throwing rocks at them and Mom joined in with us.

Sheila’s most memorable moment is one Easter when Mom ordered her a yellow dress and a white hat from a catalog. It made her feel like a daffodil. It was a beautiful, pleated dress.

Bill says that he couldn’t have had a better mom. She was the best in the world. His most memorable moment was when mom drove us kids to school in the Ford Cortina, and she ended up on the school sidewalk thinking it was the driveway.

Rita says her mom and her mother-in-law were the best of friends. They shared rooms at her daughters’ weddings, and Rita would take her mom over to see her husband’s mom when she would come to visit them. The two moms had such a great relationship that it made Rita’s relationship with her husband even better.

Glen’s favorite story of Mom is as a 16-year-old new mother and military wife, she took the train alone with her toddler, Brenda, across the entire country to get on a ship to sail alone across the Pacific to Japan to meet her husband Bill, who was stationed in Japan. She did the return as well, with two toddlers.

John remembered when Mom came and asked him what he wanted for his birthday, stating that they didn’t have much money. His request was that she stop smoking. Pansy quit cold turkey while making the move by car and trailer and 6 kids from Connecticut to Florida.

Pansy's family includes her children: Brenda Pohorence (Joe), Linda Gaumont (Don), Sheila Dick (Bob), Bill Bowling (Mary), Rita Shupe (Ron), Glen Bowling (Judy), and John Bowling (BJ), 21 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, and many cousins.

Mom loved flowers, but if you prefer, donations may be made to the Gideons. WWW.gideons.org/donate

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Pansy, will be held at 1 PM. Saturday July 22, 2023, at the Chapel of Fredeking Funeral Service with Pastors Ron Shupe and Terry Easter officiating. Burial will follow in Elgood Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from noon until the service hour at the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.fredekingfs.com or www.hhhfunerals.com. Arrangements by Fredeking Funeral Service, Oakvale and Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home in Cookeville.