Louise Hodges Bowles
Louise Hodges Bowles, 95, of Rocky Mount passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 after an extended illness. She was born January 27, 1929 at the family home in Franklin County. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, J. Carlton Bowles; her parents, Dallas Charlie Edward Hodges and Thelma Roxie Hodges; brothers, James Dallas Hodges and Earl Maxie Hodges. She is survived by her loving and devoted daughters and sons-in-law, Melinda Bowles LaPrade and husband, Bob of Johnson City, Tennessee, Mary Lynn Bowles Fothergill and husband, Bobby of Roanoke, Virginia; beloved grandchildren, Emory Claire LaPrade (Amanda Anderson) and Ellen Bradley LaPrade, Erin Louise Ray (Jared) and Bryce Carlton Fothergill (Olivia); and step-grandson, Greyland Lee LaPrade; great-grandchildren, Parker Joan Ray and Thea Eloise Ray; sisters-in-law, Chappie Bowles Firebaugh and Judy Chitwood Hodges of Rocky Mount, and Virginia Drewry Hodges of Jonesborough, Tennessee; nieces and nephews.
She began her career at E.I. DuPont in Martinsville where she was a Shift Supervisor for 13 years. Following this employment, she worked at home as a devoted and loving mother to her two daughters until the youngest started kindergarten. She then embraced a new career as a Teacher’s Assistant for Franklin County Public Schools where she worked for 26 years committed to special needs students. A life-long learner, she completed collegiate coursework in Reading and Painting.
She was a faithful member of Rocky Mount Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where she served as a Deacon, Greeter, Board Member, and Sunday School teacher. She loved her Church and the members who represented her family of faith.
Her community involvement encompassed membership in the Home Demonstration Club, service as a Girl Scout Leader, and a long-time volunteer at Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital which became a passion that she so enjoyed.
“Gran” had the greenest of thumbs and adored working with her many plants and flowers over the years. Traveling and playing Rook with friends also filled her life with joy. She was dedicated to her family especially cherishing time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and a myriad of friends across her lifetime.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Companion Home Care, Inc. and all the special ladies who provided her with support and socialization near the end of her life. Thanks is also due to Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospice for their care and compassion. The family also acknowledges the kind and ever supportive professional expertise provided by Taylor Z. Yengst, N.P. at the Carilion Congestive Heart Failure Clinic and Robin H. Wright, R.N., F.N.P. with Valley Nephrology Associates. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rocky Mount Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 120 S. Main Street, Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151.
Funeral services will be held at Rocky Mount Christian Church 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 26, 2024 with Pastor Matthew Ricks officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park. Her family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 25, 2024 at Rocky Mount Christian Church. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Services and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.
