Laura Lucille Bowler, 97, of Orange, Texas, passed away on June 19, 2018, in Orange.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 23, 2018, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Pastor Barry Bradley. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 22, 2018, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
Born in Orange, Texas, on May 9, 1921, she was the daughter of Ben E. Smith, Sr. and Lucille Forque Smith. Laura was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Orange and longtime member of the Orange Historical Society. She was a devoted employee of the Stark Foundation for 20 years. Laura loved to cook and bake for her family during the holidays, as well as play the piano and do needlepoint. She will be dearly missed by all those who came to know and love her.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, Herman Bowler; sisters, Alva Hough, and Nell Jones; and parents, Ben and Lucille Smith, Sr.
She is survived by her children, Sam Bowler of Orange, and Sarah Cousins and husband Clyde of Newton; grandchildren, Tracy Lyn Smith, Sarah Ann Uribe, Amy Curtice, and Lindsay Wolf- Schnuriger; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Ben E. Smith, Jr. of Austin; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to American Cancer Society at
www.cancer.org/involved/donate/memorial-giving
Condolences
Shirl Vice Edmonds
December 6, 2018
My mother, Doris Callahan vice, was a neighbor and dear friend of Laura's. They corresponded throughout the years, she was in attendance for Laura's husband's service. At 99 years of age (Doris) on 12/06/18 we called lauras church to check on her status - much to Doris's dismay she found out her dear friend had passed away. She is so sorry to hear this news and offers her sympathy.
Vicki Veasey
June 22, 2018
Sam, Sarah and your families,
I loved my friendship with your Mom. Laura was my friend, my conscious, my confidante, and my former co-worker. I treasure my memories, especially the last visit we had in September 2015. Thank you for taking such good care of her during the last years of her life. Her family meant the world to her. I know she’s at peace and reunited with your Dad now in heaven. Despite my tears, which are selfish of me, I know my dear friend is smiling and so happy now in God’s heaven. RIP my dear, treasured friend, I will miss you so much!!
Vicki Veasey,
Homosassa, FL