Wilma Marie Bowling (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Wilma Marie Bowling, daughter of Everett and Grace Kincade Porter, was born April 14, 1941, near Lebanon, Missouri. She departed this life Thursday, July 2, 2015, in Mercy Hospital, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of seventy-four years, two months, and nineteen days.
On April 4, 1961, she was united in marriage to Albert E. Bowling, and to this union five daughters and four sons were born.
She was preceded in death by her parents; seven brothers, Raz, Roy, Bill, Sherman, Bob, Kenny, and Jim Porter; and a sister, Freda Berry.
Wilma is survived by her husband of fifty-four years, Albert, of the home; five daughters, Tracie Knapp, and her husband, Joe, of Phillipsburg, Missouri, Edith Pearcy, and her husband, Brent, Margaret Harrison, and her husband, Bob, Melanie Cole, and her husband, Jamie, and Melba Case, and her husband, Carl, all of Lebanon, Missouri; four sons, Bradley Bowling, and his wife, Annmarie, Eddie Bowling, and his wife, Pam, Wayne Bowling, and his wife, Felicia, and Chris Bowling, all of Lebanon, Missouri; thirty grandchildren; thirty-nine great-grandchildren; a brother, Dave Porter, and his wife, Ruth, of Lebanon, Missouri; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
She was born and raised in Laclede County, Missouri. After she and Albert were married, they made their home near Lebanon, and lovingly raised their children. Throughout the years, Wilma was a devoted and hard working homemaker to her husband and family.
Wilma had made her profession of belief in Christ and followed the Pentecostal faith.
She was a wonderful cook, and enjoyed gardening, sewing, and doing embroidery projects. She also liked to go fishing and to sit on the porch and visit with her family and friends. Her family was always the center of her life and she especially enjoyed having time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Wilma was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them during her seventy-four years.
A memorial has been established to Bear Thicket Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Wilma?
What’s a lesson you learned from Wilma?
Share a story where Wilma's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Wilma you’ll never forget.
How did Wilma make you smile?

