Joy Bowling

Elizabeth Joy Bowling, age 76, of Covington, died Friday, October 4th, 2024, at
LewisGale Hospital-Alleghany in Low Moor, VA. She was the wife of the late Bernard “Bernie”
Bowling.
Mrs. Bowling was born on December 25, 1947 in Covington, VA. She was the daughter
of the late Oscar Thomas Sheppard Jr. and Lorraine Howard Sheppard. She was a
homemaker while her children were young, and then became a certified nursing assistant
after they were grown. She was a caregiver, babysitter, wife, mother, grandmother, great
grandmother, sister, daughter, and devout Christian in her 76 years of life. Joy loved to read
and listen to books, work puzzles, spend time with her dogs, Bandit and Vice, and care for
those around her.
Mrs. Bowling is survived by three sons, Ron Fox and his wife Stephanie of
Buckingham, VA, Chris Fox and his wife Cindy of Covington, VA, and Stephen Fox of
Covington, VA. She has four grandchildren, PV2 Brody Fox, who was raised in her home as
another son, of Fort Sill, OK, Chandler Fox of Miami, FL, Allison Fox (and fiance Walker
Shinaberry) of Covington, VA, Cameron Fox of Buckingham, VA, and one great-grandchild,
Blair Fox. She is also survived by her three siblings, Tom Sheppard and his wife Pat, Mark
Sheppard and his wife Sharon, all of Sun City Center, FL, sister Kay Hannah of Covington, VA,
the father of her children, John Fox and his wife Linda, her brother-in-law Aubrey and his
wife Pat, her caregiver Diana Simpson, and a number of special nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be conducted on Sunday, October 13th from the chapel of
Loving Funeral Home at 3:00 P.M. with Rev. Billy Price officiating, with visitation one hour prior at 2:00. Interment will follow at Alleghany Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to make a donation to the Valley View Animal Rescue or charity of your choice.
Pallbearers will be Ron Fox, Chris Fox, Stephen Fox, Scott Steele, Shawn Fox and Jim Kern.
Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home.