Lynda Gilliam Bowers

Dateline …. Sanford, NC

Lynda Gilliam Bowers, 94, passed away at her home in the River Landing retirement community in Colfax, NC on February 11, 2022. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at 2:00PM at Buffalo Cemetery.

There will be a viewing in Buffalo Presbyterian Church one hour prior to the service, also Mrs Bowers can be viewed at Rogers Pickard Funeral Home.

She was born Christmas day 1927 in Sanford, NC to parents Florence Gladden Gilliam and Henry Cornelius Gilliam Sr. She grew up in the Pocket Community and attended Pocket Presbyterian Church. She attended Women’s College from 1946-1948 and transferred to UNC-CH graduating in 1950, majoring in Physical Education, and minoring in Math.   

Lynda began her teaching career in Mooresville, NC where she formed life-long friendships while living with other single ladies in Mrs. Trivett’s Boarding House. She married Robert Joseph (Bob) Bowers Sr. in 1952. They moved into the Bowers family home in Sanford where Bob farmed.   Lynda’s garden was bountiful and provided canned and frozen vegetables throughout the years. Their home was filled with family and love. Willie Mae McLeod became an extended family member, along with Bob’s sister Charly King.  Over the years Lynda served as a caregiver to many, including her parents, in-laws, and other senior family members, while raising two children, Jolynda and Bobby, in the multi-generational household.

She taught at Greenwood High School for several years before moving to Sanford Central (now Lee Sr.) High School where she taught Math, Physical Education and coached Women’s Basketball. She later served and retired as head of the Math department.  In her years as a teacher she touched hundreds of lives, many of whom would contact her years later to tell her how much they learned in her math class.  

Lynda was a lifelong Tarheel fan, but cheered for NC State (Bob’s Alma-mater) at the many home games they attended - as long as they weren’t playing the ‘Heels.

Lynda loved music and served as the choir director and then pianist at Buffalo Presbyterian Church for over 60 years.  She was active in many community organizations including the Browning Garden Club, Lee County Extension, Junior and Senior Women’s Club and Pocket Homemakers. In her spare time she loved playing Bridge, gardening, reading, and playing Sudoku and Cryptoquote.

In retirement, she built a home on her family farm and lived next door to her sister Barbara Gilliam Alphin and brother-in-law Reevis (Al) Alphin.  In 2012, all three moved to the River Landing retirement community and continued to live right next-door to each other.  Lynda’s special cat Pete also made the move and was her constant companion.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert J. Bowers Sr., sister Doris Gilliam Collins and brother-in-law Ben Collins. She is survived by her brother, H.C. Gilliam Jr (Anne) and sister Barbara Gilliam Alphin (Al), daughter Jolynda Bowers (Scott Allen), son Robert J. (Bobby) Bowers, Jr. (Angie), and beloved grandchildren Heath, Cole and Audra Bowers, along with many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.  

The family would like to thank 1^st Choice Homecare, and especially Avius Moore, for their support in Lynda’s final years.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Buffalo Presbyterian Church, 1333 Carthage Street, Sanford, NC 27330 or to the charity of your choice.

COVID 19 guidelines will be followed, and facial coverings are requested.

Online Condolences may be made at www.rogerspickard.com

Arrangements are by Rogers-Pickard Funeral Home.