Committal
Nelda Mae Gaines Bowles, beloved wife and mother, passed from this life on Thursday, August 3, 2023.
Born in rural southwest Virginia on August 25, 1937, Nelda had a lifelong love of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At 19, she married the love of her life, Carl. Later she moved to her home of 58 years, Morganton. In Morganton, she worked at various department stores but loved most the people she met and worked with at Lazarus. Nelda’s greatest legacy is her family, her faith, and the people she touched as a minister’s wife. Nelda was a member of Bethel Church of Christ in Morganton and she helped found the Western Area Women’s Christian Fellowship.
Mrs. Bowles is survived by her children, Debra Bowles, Terri Bowles, and Todd Bowles; grandchildren, Olivia Hodges Bauer (Matt), Elaina Hodges, and Ian Hodges (Ryan); and great-grandchildren, Leah Hodges, Levi Hodges, and Anderson Eli Bauer.
Nelda was preceded in death by her parents, Lonnie Mason Gaines and Grace Bertrand King Gaines; and a grandson, Eli Brent Hodges.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The memorial service will follow at noon in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Celebrant Olivia Hodges Bauer officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Christian Services of North Carolina or perform an act of kindness in Nelda’s memory.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Nelda Mae Gaines Bowles.
We are so sorry to hear of Nelda’s passing. She and Carl have been a joy and inspiration in our lives. We remember the many hours that we have enjoyed their company as we sat around the table and enjoyed the delicious meals prepared by my mom Mary Bledsoe. My daddy Ira Bledsoe and Mary loved Carl and Nelda and looked forward to every visit. They helped me say goodby to both. Our prayers are with you Carl and children.
Carl, Debbie, Terri, and Todd, what a pleasure to have known your precious Nelda! May God bless you with many precious memories to sustain you until that beautiful morning God has promised us! Love to all.
God bless you, Carl. We are praying for the family.
Nelda was such a Wonderful Lady. Always put Together in Fashion and Her Radiant Smile! I’m so sorry for hearing this news. The Angels are Rejoicing for one of their own has come Home. Continued Prayers for Carl and Her Children and Grandchildren during the coming days and months ahead. In Christ Alone, My Hope is Found. Amen
Oh Dear Carl and family, it sadden's my heart to learn of Nelda's passing, but know the precious Christian lady she was at even her young age while you was our Minister at the Willowton Christian Church, she was always so gentle, kind, and lovng lady. You and Nelda didn't seem to be much older than than we teenagers at that time. We loved you both then and all through the years I had so many precious memories of fun times. Debbie was born during your ministry with the little white church in Willowton. Precious Memories, Oh How Sweet. How they ever flood my soul. We know that her precious soul in in the care of the LORD now, as it has been for almost 86 past years. Our love and prayers are with you and your family. Precious Me
Ms Nelda was a beautiful lady give it her all till the end, she was a wonderful patient to all of us at the dialysis clinic and a joy to have. Going to miss her little sweet husband coming to pick her up and asking us if we just didn't want to keep her ! He is a joker...prayers to all the family
Wonderful memories of Nelda and Carl as a young couple serving the Willowton Christian Church. Lots of memories spending time with Nelda as a teenager while Carl is out being a pastor in the community and lots of memories baby sitting their first daughter, Debbie. May God comfort your family as you say goodbye to Nelda here on earth, as we know that God has already welcomed her in heaven. God Bless and lots of love, Brenda Meadows Griffin
Our deepest condolences to your family. Ms. Nelda's life was a shining testament to a life rooted in faith, service, kindness, and family. Our prayers are with you as you celebrate and reflect on a lifetime of memories. Praying peace and comfort over your family. We love you, Terri. Lifting you up. Love, Bethany Christian Services, NC
Carl, Debbie, Terri, and Todd, so sorry to hear about Nelda. We had some wonderful times together, especially Todd. .My prayers are with the family. Know the assurance we have in Christ. I'm sure Margaret told you about Wayne. Be 3 years 15th of Nov. Hard to believe. But now know my prayers are with the family, especially this Saturday. Nelda was a wonderful person and enjoyed our times together. Wish I could make it to the memorial but still not well, Love the family. Todd let me hear from you, Nadine Jocelyn