Kernie M. Bowers

Kernie M. Bowers, age 86, of Benton died July 15, 2013 while visiting her daughter and son-in-law in Illinois. She was born March 25, 1927 in Poyen, Arkansas. Kernie was a Beautician for over 50 years and was a faithful Jehovah's Witness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert H. and Martha Byrd Wilbanks, her husband of 43 years James L. Bowers, two sisters, Stella Sorrells and Helen Taylor, a brother, Dois Wilbanks and sister-in-law, Bonnie Wilbanks. She is survived by a son and daughter–in-law, James A. Bowers and wife Debbie, Benton; two daughters and son-in-law, Patsy Collins, Benton; and Georgiann Burcham and husband Charles, Illinois; brothers, Marvin Wilbanks, Benton; Robert Wilbanks, Benton; sisters, Bonita Wilbanks Sheridan, Benton; Betty Wilbanks Reynolds, Benton; Elma Wilbanks Blake-Bailey, Benton; seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 8: p.m. Friday, July 19, 2013 at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Ashby Funeral Home with Bro. David Howell officiating. Burial will follow at Fairplay Cemetery. Pallbearers: Scotty Thornberry, Aaron Burcham, Glen Strong, Jeff Mitchell, Lonnie Thornberry, Robert Wilbanks, and Brian Hardin. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.