Lyda Sue Bowie

Lyda Sue Bowie (Good) fell asleep in death on the morning of December 15, 2019 in the company of loved ones. All who knew her believe she lived true to her name. Born on December 1, 1932 in England, Arkansas to the late Frances Louise Galloway and Henry Harrison Good, Lyda was the third of four siblings, and exceptionally close to her sister or "chis" Frances as she grew. At 18, she married Lindy Bowie and quickly embarked on motherhood after moving to Little Rock. With a house full of babies she made time to study the Bible and in 1959 was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, thus beginning a 60-year journey of complete faith that held strong through the ups and downs of a lifetime, including the loss of a son to cancer. Family and friends knew her affection uncomplicated by many words. She was a contented and practical woman with countless friends, full of simple wisdom and wit. Many recall that for most of her driving life, Lyda determinedly avoided all left turns, making service and her commute to and from the business' offices of Doctor's Hospital (later St. Vincent's) where she worked for over thirty years, a cautious adventure. She is remembered for her appreciation of beautiful things: cherry blossoms, yellow roses, and drives to Petit Jean to see the autumn leaves. At age 86, only two months before her death, Lyda made a two-mile hike in the Shenandoah Mountains with her grandchildren helping her along the way. She was someone who kept her word and forgave those who didn't. She is survived by children Sara, Michael, Suzanne (Tom), and Beth; by the grandchildren she so loved: Brooke (Mike), Michael (Lizy), Justin (Leah), Andrew, Summer, Lauren (Rob); and the great grandchildren of whom she was so proud: Jack, Jude, Hailey, Drake, Aidan, Madelyn and Brooks. She is predeceased by son Lindy and son-in-law Phillip. Lyda's belief in a resurrection for the dead is well expressed in Job 14: 7,14,15 : For there is hope even for a tree. If it is cut down, it will sprout again… If a man dies, can he live again? I will wait all the days of my compulsory service until my relief comes. You will call, and I will answer you. You will long for the work of your hands.