Clara May Bowles

Clara May Foster Bowles, age 89, went to her eternal home on November 26, 2023, at her home in Water Valley, MS surrounded by her family. She was born August 8, 1934 in Arkansas to Louis David Foster and Clara Ruth Lawley Foster. She grew up in Water Valley and was in the graduating class of 1953. Soon afterwards in 1954, she married the love of her life, James "Jim" E. Bowles and they moved to Wilmington, NC, where he was stationed with the United States Air Force. In 1955, their first son Mike was born, followed by Tony in 1957.
Following Jim's job with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the family would live in numerous cities around the country where Clara would find satisfying work outside the home. In 1982, upon the arrival of her first grandchild, Clara would affectionately become known as "Mamaw". After retiring in 1988, she and Jim would move back to their hometown where they would enjoy family, raising cows, playing bridge and square dancing. Along side of Jim, Clara was a member of Water Valley First Presbyterian Church.

Visitation is planned for Friday, December 1, 2023, in the Gardiner Room of Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM. Funeral services will immediately follow at 2:00 PM in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks with Bro. Harold Spraberry officiating.

Clara is survived by her husband of 69 years, Jim; one son, Tony (Linda) Bowles of Tyler, TX, and a daughter-in-law, Carolyn Bowles of Grenada MS; seven grandchildren, Jennifer (Bobby) Locke of Baytown, TX, Rachel (Wade) Sorensen, of Lindale, TX, Anthony (Katie) Bowles, of Woodbury, TN, Cathy (Chris) Eady, of Starkville MS, Kellie Bowles, of Big Bend National Park, TX, Cassidy Bowles, of Lancaster, PA, and Mark (Becca) Bowles, of Carrolton, MS; fourteen great-grandchildren, Olivia and Jackson Locke, Kathleen and Taylor Sorensen, Andrew, Eli, Lily Kate, Amelia, and Simon Bowles, Zeb, Apphia, and Michael Eady, and Luke Bowles; one sister, Catherine Tyler of Southaven MS; and two sisters-in-law, Margaret Ratliff, of Toccopola, MS, and Martha Lynn Bowles, of Courtland MS.

As well as her parents, Clara was predeceased by one son, Mike Bowles; four sisters, Carline Stanley, Alma Martin, Frances Rogers, Margaret McNamee; and one brother, Billy Foster.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to nieces, Lisa Link and Dena Holkesvig for their assistance and help in ensuring Mamaw's needs were met.