Mildred Giles Bowman Roberts

Mildred Giles Bowman Roberts of Grace Ridge and formerly of Catawba Street, Morganton died Sunday, July 14, 2013. She was born May 23, 1915 in Avery County and was a daughter of the late Junius Dorsey Bowman and Vernia Erwin Bowman. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Roberts was preceded in death by her husband, John Henry Roberts, Jr.; brother, J. D. Bowman; and sister, Dorothy Smith Mitchell.Mrs. Roberts taught school for 43 years with the Morganton City and Burke County School systems and was a member of the National Education Association, a charter member of the Alpha Delta Kappa, a sorority of women educators; and was a member of the Morganton City Schools Advisory Council. In addition to her devotion to education, she was active in many other community organizations including membership and past vice-president in the Schubert Music Club, Morganton Woman’s Club, Mimosa Garden Club, and the Morganton Lioness Club. She was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church where she sang with the Chancel Choir for over 40 years, was a charter member of the Heilheckler Sunday School Class, a Circle #1 member, United Methodist Women, and served on the Administrative Board.Surviving are her nephew and nieces, Stuart Bowman of Greensboro, NC, Jacquelyn Smith Farner and her husband, Bill of Shepherdsville, KY, Kay Bowman Cofer of Atlanta, and Betsy Bowman Smith of Colfax, NC; and a number of grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. John Fowler officiating. The family will receive friends in the church gathering area following the service. Private graveside services will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church Choir, 200 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with arrangements.