Dateline: Litchfield

Verna Lillian Bowles, 99, died at 3:05 p.m. Tuesday, February 1, 2011 in Godfrey, IL. Born January 27, 1912 in Shaws Point, IL, she was the daughter of Carson Elmer and Ethel Arbelle (Gates) Besanceney. She married Byron Brooks Bowles on April 27, 1929 in Litchfield. He preceded her in death on August 5, 1977. Verna was a homemaker and was an active and longtime member of the First Baptist Church. She started the first nursery at the church, taught in primary Sunday school, was a GA Leader for a young girl's mission group and was also active in Adult missions. She led Keenagers Ministry for adults for many years. Verna worked at Kroger and IGA Grocery Stores. She also worked at Montgomery Ward and retired from Sidney Tots and Teens. She is survived by one daughter, Gerry Johnston of Litchfield, two sons; Derald W. Bowles and his wife Bertie of Easley, SC, Lester B. Bowles and his wife Joanne of Godfrey, IL, nine grandchildren; Scott Johnston of Charlotte, NC, Pam Norris and husband Ron of Litchfield, Tim Johnston and wife Kim of Albuquerque, NM, Austin Bowles and wife Cindy of Las Vegas, NV, Lisa Hurlbert of Chattanooga, TN, Lynn Hoffman and husband Mike of Godfrey, IL, Ralph Bowles and wife Dawn of Godfrey, IL, Laura Bosse' of Alton, IL, Louise Jacoby and husband Stephen of Godfrey, IL, 16 great grandchildren, Trisha Hoagland, Cameron Norris, Corey, Courtney and Christian Johnston, Avery Bowles, Misty Johnson, Emily Bartlett, Steven and Lori Hurlbert, Ben, Emma and Josie Bowles, Nathanael Hoffman, Joseph and Samuel Bosse', four great great grandchildren, Jeremiah and Jacob Johnson, Evan Bartlett and Ava Hoagland and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Carl E. Johnston and three sisters, Zelma Lancaster, Reba Hart and Emma Opal Talbert. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Litchfield. Reverend Gene Ellis will officiate. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements.



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