Frances Stafford Bowling

Frances Stafford Bowling passed away on October 22, 2025 in Grantsville, MD at age 100. She and her twin brother were born in Berton, VA in Giles County on March 18, 1925. She was a graduate of Radford University and began her teaching career at Liberty Academy in Bedford, VA. She then moved to Roanoke and was a teacher at Huff Lane Elementary School in Roanoke City for 30 years. She was a devoted member of Northminster Presbyterian Church where she served as an elder.

She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, William E. (Bill) Bowling, her parents Frank and Nina Hetherington Stafford, her twin brother Donald Stafford, brother Maurice Stafford, and sisters Emma Ann S. Steele and Charlotte S. Sartin. 

She is survived by her daughter Sydney B. Duncan and son-in-law Andy Duncan of Frostburg, MD. She is also survived by nieces Debbie Clevenger, Susan Steele-Ward, Cindy Counavelis, Melissa Light, Judy Strickland, and Leah Bolling. She is also survived by nephews Tim Steele, Jon Sartin, Phillip Steele, Chris Stafford, and Bill Wilkes, and by a number of great- and great-great nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends Friday, October 31, 2025,  from 5-7 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home on Peters Creek Road in Roanoke. A memorial service conducted by Dr. Russ Merritt will be held at noon on Saturday, November 1 at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Roanoke. Private burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3911 Greenland Ave., Roanoke, VA 24019. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home Peters Creek Chapel. (540)366-0707.