Gloria Irene Bowman

Gloria A. Bowman, 86 of Dillsboro died Wednesday, Jan. 27 at Mission Memorial Hospital after a short illness. Born in 1929 in Jamesburg, N.J. to John and Alice Alt, Gloria Irene was the youngest of three children. She is survived by her older brother Ralph Alt, of Osceola Mills, PA and her older sister Thelma Louise Ivins of DuBois, PA. She also leaves her two children David Robert Bowman (w.Janet) of Phoenix, AZ and Christine Lara Olivero (h.Vince) of Houlton, ME. Grandchildren Laura Lee Smith (Neal), of Helmetta, NJ, Sharon Wiesen (Tony) of LeCanto, FL, James Russell (Theresa) of Charlemont, MA, Stephen Russell (Jennifer) of Allenwood, NJ and Melodee Chasse (Jason), of Caribou, ME. Also seven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson, and several nieces and nephews. Gloria spent her young years in Spotswood N.J. on rural Main St. With a railroad just beyond their back yard, she saw her mother show kindness to the hobos on the railroad. "She never turned them away - my mother always gave them something to eat," Gloria would say. With such family values, Gloria and her siblings grew up with a fine work ethic and concern for people. In high school Gloria showed her talent for music as a singer in "The Trio." They performed at school and community functions and even at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. She became an expert pianist and organist and loved entertaining her friends and family. Gloria married Bobby Ray Bowman in 1949 and they lived near her hometown, in East Brunswick NJ. Soon after becoming parents Gloria and her husband Bobby embraced the Faith of Jehovah's Witnesses. With their family they were admired as fine examples of Christian living, especially for their hospitality and service in the ministry. They always welcomed visitors and often had group gatherings at their home. They loved to travel and spent several vacations on camping trips across the country. Seeing the quality of life in the Smoky Mountains, Gloria and her husband decided that was where they wanted to spend their later years. In 1992 they retired to their beloved home near Dillsboro, NC. Married 55 years, her husband Bobby passed away in 2004. Gloria maintained her kindness and spirit these last 11 years. A memorial service will be held for Gloria Bowman at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on Sat. Feb. 6 at 3:30. Piney Mtn. Rd. by mile 77 of Rte.74. All are welcome to attend. ? .