Virginia Bowen

Tupelo - Virginia Baker Bowen, 87, died Thursday, September 18, 2008, at the Griffis Green House At Traceway. She was born January 28, 1921, in Myrtle, MS to George A. and Margaret Maxey Baker. Living most of her adult life in Tupelo she will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She served in the Women's Army Corp during World War II and was a member of the Mary Stuart Chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution. She was an orginal member of the Tupelo Junior Women's Club and served as a Volunteer Grey Lady at the North Mississippi Medical Center. While her children were in school, she was involved in their activities. She served as president of the THS Band Parent's Association, and was a Brownie, Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. A gardening enthusiast, she was especially proud of her roses and her African Violets. In addition to playing bridge and the piano, she and her husband were longtime exhibitors at the Tupelo Gum Tree Festival. She was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church.

A Memorial Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Rev. Raigan Miskelly and Rev. Hershel Wiygul officiating.

Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Ernest Bowen, Jr. of Tupelo; one daughter, Carol Bowen Tucker and husband, Richard, of Madison; one son, Ernest "Bunny" Bowen, III and wife, Mary Helen, of Jackson; one brother, Joe M. Baker of Ridgeland; three grandchildren, Bo Tucker and wife, Emily, and Will Tucker and wife, Anna, all of Madison and Michael Bowen of Jackson; three great-grandchildren, Jack Bowen Tucker, Elizabeth Grace Tucker, and Bryce Blake Tucker and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, George I. Baker and Robert S. Baker.

Visitation will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 1800 W. Main St., Tupelo MS 38801; or First United Methodist Church, 412 W. Main St., Tupelo, MS 38804