BOWMAN, Frances Joan “Joy” Cassell

Frances Joan “Joy” Cassell Bowman, 79, of Narrows, VA went home to be with the Lord on August 30, 2015 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital following a long, well fought battle with several health issues. Mrs. Bowman was born on February 18, 1936, in Wytheville Va. She was the daughter of the late Paul Randolph and Mable Marie Cassell. In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her husband of 18 years, John Brown Bowman Jr. and a special nephew, Todd Cassell. Mrs. Bowman was a graduate of Radford University in 1958 earning a Bachelor degree and soon after began teaching Home Economics at Coeburn High School. In 1959, she and John moved to Pearisburg where she taught at Pearisburg High School for a year. In 1973 she went to work for Giles County Department of Social Services where she worked for 27 years before retiring. She loved her family dearly, especially her grandchildren. She also loved watching Green Wave and Hokie football games. Mrs. Bowman was a member of the First Baptist Church of Narrows and was actively involved in caring for the children in the church nursery for 50 years. She is survived by her son Daniel Bowman and wife Teresa of Pulaski, VA, son GaryBowman of Narrows, VA, son Jonathan Bowman and wife Tori of Narrows, Va.; six grandchildren: Joshua, Mark, Jakeb, Reid, Brock, and Macy Bowman all of Narrows, VA; a sister and brother-in-law Bobby and Dale Grant of Bowie, MD; a brother and sister-in-law Leon and Barbara Cassell of Wytheville, VA; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 3rd, 2015 at 6 PM at First Baptist Church in Narrows, with Rev. Jerry Sawyers officiating. The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church Thursday from 4 PM until just prior to the service. At her request, she will be cremated. The family requests that those sending memorial contributions, please consider the Nursery Fund at First Baptist Church; 609 Wolf Street; Narrows, VA 24124. The family is being served by Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442, and online at riffefuneralservice.com.