Obituary of Sarah Joan Barber Bowles

Sarah Joan Barber Bowles, 94, of Bedford County, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.  She was born on Thursday, September, 27, 1928, the daughter of the late Albert Barber & Lura Martin Barber.  She is also preceded in death by her husband, Harry Neal Bowles, Sr.; daughter, Laura May Watson; sons, Harry Neal Bowles, Jr. & Carl Michael Bowles.

Joan was a longtime member of Mount Zion Baptist Church.

She is survived by her daughter, Jewel Ann Beir (Steve); daughter-in-law, Denise Bowles; grandchildren, Connie Bowles, Christopher Michael Bowles, Joseph Andrew Bowles, Sarah Adair Hearn (Seth), Cameron Beir & Landon Beir (Carmella); great-grandchildren, Kaylee Bowles, Gavin Bowles, Devin Scott, Christopher Michael Bowles, Jr. (CJ), Mason Hearn, Waylon Hearn & Garrison Hearn; great-great-grandchildren, Gavin Scott & Laurel Scott.

A funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Mount Zion Baptist Church (Montvale) with Rev. Bill Mitchell officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1074 Circle K Road, Montvale, VA, 24122.

Arrangements by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.