Thelma Shanks Bowman

Died: Nov. 15, 2009

ELIZABETHTON -- Thelma Shanks Bowman, 86, of West "F" Street, Elizabethton, died Sunday at her home.

"She went home to be with her Lord," her family stated.

Mrs. Bowman was a native of Greene County, and was a daughter of the late Elbert Ruble and Letha O'Dell Williams Shanks. She had been a resident of Elizabethton since 1954.

Her family provided the following statement: "She was passionate in sharing her love for Jesus Christ and was a long-standing member of Memorial Presbyterian Church, where she had served as church secretary during Sanders Willson's pastorate.

"She was a lifelong Republican and very active in local, state and national politics. She once ran for the state senate.

"Thelma had five brothers who absolutely adored their only sister. Their memories of growing up on their farm in Chuckey sound idyllic.

"Thelma cherished her grandchildren, and her granddaughter, Brittany Smith, was a special comfort to her in her last days with us.

"She was active in her support of the American Cancer Society and Veteran Affairs. Her favorite hobby was riding her Tennessee walking horse 'Living Color' in competition, in which she won many honors."

She was the widow of Dr. Hoyle E. Bowman.

Survivors include three daughters and two sons-in-law: Carolyn and Bob Thomas of the home, Suzanne and David Chambers of Orlando, Fla., and Barbara Smith of Elizabethton; two sons and daughters-in-law: the Rev. Ed and Pam Bowman of Waskom, Texas, and John and Karen Bowman of Zebulon, N.C.; 13 grandchildren: Whitfield Thomas, Colin Thomas, Joshua Bowman, Michael Bowman, Beau Bowman, Colby Chambers, Darrin Chambers, Katie Chambers, Landon Chambers, Brittany Smith, Clayton Smith, Jacob Bowman and Benjamin Bowman; four great-grandchildren: Alanna Bowman, Bella Bowman, Hunter Bowman, and Hoyle Bowman IV; three brothers and their wives: Glen and June Shanks of Johnson City, Carroll and Adair Shanks of Nashville, and Don and Betty Shanks of Pfafftown, N.C.; a sister-in-law: Sherrie Shanks of Knoxville; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by an infant son, Randall Bowman, an infant granddaughter, Elizabeth Morgan Smith, and two brothers: Andy Shanks and Wayne Shanks.

A memorial service will be held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Elizabethton. The Rev. Dwight Basham will officiate.

A graveside service and inurnment will follow the service in Monte Vista Memorial Gardens in Johnson City.

The family will receive friends at the church from noon to 2 p.m. prior to the memorial service and other times at the home.

Honorary pallbearers will be her grandsons.

Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Lou Cooter, 415 Washington Ave., Elizabethton, TN 37643, or to Memorial Presbyterian Church, 100 East "F" St., Elizabethton, TN 37643.

Condolences may be sent to the Bowman family online at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com, where a guest book is also available, or by fax to 542-9499.