Virginia Sue Bowden

Virginia Sue Bowden, age 79, of Lonoke passed away Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015. Virginia was born Aug. 21, 1936 to Robert and Susie Horton in the old Bayou Meto Community south of Lonoke. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Bowden, of Russellville, and the joy of her life, her son, Tony Robert Brainard of Melbourne, Fla. Also preceding her in passing from this earth were her parents; her brothers, Robert and Dwaine Horton, both of Lonoke; and her former husband, Jimmy Brainard, of Carlisle. Virginia leaves behind her sisters; Faye (Willie) Gold, of Lonoke; Betty (Don) Paddock, of New Johnsonville, Tenn.; and Jean Costa, of Russellville; brothers, Burnis (Sue Ellen) Horton, of La Vernia, Texas, and Kenneth Horton, of Little Rock. Other survivors include her son's significant other, Beverly Porter, of Melbourne, Fla. Virginia experienced her share of challenges and setbacks during her life, but she always bounced back and kept a great sense-of-humor right up to her hour of passing. Family and other care-givers relate that she could be very demanding and would not be ignored, yet she responded to every act of service and kindness with appreciation and affection. She spent most of her working career as a licensed Real Estate Abstractor in Conway. Before her health began to limit her activities she was passionate about arts and crafts, expressing her creativity in spectacular floral arrangements and in the flowers she grew. She and husband Clarence were Master Gardeners. A Memorial Service for Virginia will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, October 5, at Grace Chapel, off Hwy 31, a few miles north of Lonoke. Reverend Willie Gold will conduct the service. Visitation will follow immediately. Boyd Funeral Home of Lonoke is providing all arrangements including cremation services. www.boydfuneralhome.net.