Avalee Bowman, 88, a long time resident of Wallace, died Friday, May 27, 2016 after a period of declining health.

Born in Mount Airy to the late Charles and Olivia Simmons on September 5, 1927, Avalee also lived in Randolph and Alamance Counties. She married her high school sweetheart, Donald Bowman, in 1944, and they were happily married for over 65 years until Don's death in 2010. Don and Avalee had three children, Donna, Eddie and Gary, during their years in Graham, NC. In 1963, they moved to Wallace and purchased Wells Livestock Market, where they worked side by side for nearly 40 years.

Avalee was known for her giving spirit which was exemplified in many large and small ways. She especially enjoyed making cakes for the sick, taking treats to the ladies at the bank, giving school supplies to teachers, sponsoring needy school children, and participating in a multitude of opportunities at Wallace Presbyterian Church. She was known for "putting on a spread" at mealtime, feeding not only family and friends, but often employees . She loved to sew, crochet, and play cards, and she was an accomplished artisan—making baskets, silk flowers, beaded ornaments, and Chrismons. Even in death, she continues to give by donating her body to the ECU School of Medicine.

Avalee loved and was proud of her family. She is survived by her children: Donna Powell (David) of Advance; Eddie Bowman (Sylvia) of Surf City; and Gary Bowman (Susan) of Oxford. She adored and admired her seven grandchildren: Ryan Powell, Caroline Bowman Goffena, Kristen Powell Blakley, Leslie Bowman Lowe, Austin Powell, Anna Blake Bowman Watkins and Michael Bowman. Avalee is also survived by 10 very special great grandchildren: Laney and Levi Goffena; Owen, Bowman, and Karis Blakley; McKenzie and Chase Powell; Vann and Callie Lowe, and Elizabeth Watkins.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 5, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Wallace Presbyterian Church, 205 West Main St, Wallace, NC. Following the service, the family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Wallace Presbyterian Church at P.O. Box 717, Wallace, NC 28466 or to a charity of individual's choice.