WINDSOR – Louise Bowen Leary, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”

Louise died May 1, 2012 at The Service League of Greenville Inpatient Hospice.  Born September 8, 1930 in Martin County, she was the last surviving child of the late Charlie and Blanche Baker Bowen and the widow of Grady C. Leary.

Louise loved God and her church.  As a member of Republican Baptist Church she was active in WMU and held such positions as trustee, Sunday School leader and teacher, choir director, church messenger, and fellowship leader.  Social gatherings were always popular, as many knew Louise would be bringing bar-be-que chicken, cornbread, and her many other specialties.

After retiring from Guardian Care of Ahoskie and caring for her late husband, Louise enjoyed working for Bertie County Peanuts, attending exercise classes and area dances, and sharing meals with friends.  Although well known for her cooking, she was perhaps better known for her faith and care of others.  Taking in neighbors whose homes became unlivable during the Windsor floods, preparing a meal or just a pie, or sitting with the sick were done without any hesitation.

Louise’s love and pride for her children and their families were evident.  Family meals, ball games, dance recitals, birthdays, holidays and babies always brought smiles.

Surviving are daughters, Patsy Perry and husband Mike of Colerain and Kay Roberson and husband Joe of Windsor; son, Jeff and wife Laurie of Tarboro; grandsons, Greg Boswell and wife Renee’ of Colerain and Kyle Williford and wife Amy of Windsor; granddaughters, Kaley W. Wilson and husband Matt of Edenton and Lauralee and Jilianne Leary of Tarboro; and great-grandchildren, Gracie Boswell of Colerain and Layla and Eli Williford of Windsor.

Services will be held at Republican Baptist Church on Friday, May 4, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. by the Rev. J. N. Worsley.  Burial will follow in Edgewood Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at Walker Funeral Home on Thursday, May 3 from 6-7:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Republican Baptist Church, c/o Reddick White, 1141 Republican Road, Windsor, NC 27983

Online condolences may be directed to www.walkerfh.net.

Walker Funeral Home, Windsor, is serving the Leary family.