KILMARNOCK—Melinda R. Bowles, 62, of Kilmarnock passed away on February 1, 2017. She was a member of Kilmarnock Baptist Church.
She is survived by her sister, Betsy B. Brown of Kilmarnock; niece, Madison R. Smith of Charlottesville; nephews, Marshall R. Smith and Miles C. Smith of Kilmarnock; brother-in-law, Curtis Smith of Kilmarnock; aunt, Mary L. Bowles of Reedville; numerous cousins; and dear friends, Mary Lee Kent and Todd Brown.
Melinda was preceded in death by her parents, Milton R. Bowles and Margaret Riess Bowles; and sisters, Mary-Margaret Bowles Byerman and Marilyn Bowles Smith.
She was a 1973 graduate of Northumberland High School and a 1977 graduate of Mary Washington College with a bachelor of arts.
Melinda taught at Chesapeake Academy for 33 years where she nurtured her students with compassion and encouraged them to love learning. She was voted by them as teacher of the year in 1989. She also worked in long term child-care situations.
She was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling and cooking. Melinda was very loyal to her family and friends and her smile and gentle wit would brighten up any room. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services were held Sunday, February 5, at Kilmarnock Baptist Church. Family received friends an hour prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lancaster Community Library, P. O. Box 850, Kilmarnock, VA 22482.
Currie Funeral Home, LLC, of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
