Beeman, Violet Linkous Bowles
A beautiful transition occurred in the still hours of the early morning on April 24 as Violet Lorene Linkous Bowles Beeman was set free from her wheelchair and the bonds of Alzheimer’s disease. She is now at rest in the loving arms of her Heavenly father, no longer in pain, reuniting with family and friends. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her.
Violet was born in Blacksburg on August 5, 1929, to the late Jessie B. and Millie B. Linkous. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husbands, Frank E. Bowles and Julian L. (J.L.) Beeman; daughter, Connie Kirk; grandson, Brian Quesenberry; sisters, Hazel Linkous and Elizabeth Weaver, and brother, Ervin Linkous.
Her love and memory will be forever cherished by her children, Sandra (Curtis) Sumner, Herndon, Virginia; Alan Bowles (Dee Ratcliffe), Pulaski, Virginia; Rhonda (Tom) Albert, Millington, Tennessee; and, Lorri Bowles (Butch Anderson), Christiansburg, Virginia; step-children Alice (Bob) Baker, Galax, Virginia; Velma (Leo) Honosky, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Nancy (Wayne) McGlothlin, Pulaski, Virginia. She will be missed by her grandchildren, Dewayne (Stacie) Quesenberry; Sherry Bradley, Lacey (Shilo) Romantini, Morgan (Brian) Pisani, Leann Albert (Mike Drew), Jessie Mills, and Logan Albert; step-grandchildren, Curt (Robin) and Stacy (Cindy) Sumner; great-grandchildren, Ava McNabb; Julian Romantini; Luke (Ashley), Hunter, and Brandon Quesenberry; step-great grandchildren, Sara Chiariello and Sam Sumner; Savanna, Dalton, Gracie, and Cole Hayes; Jared and Blake Bradley; and great-great grandsons, Brian and Levi Quesenberry. She is also survived by her sisters, Lois (John) Porterfield and Martha Scott; sisters-in-law, Florence Linkous, and Ruby Owens; and many nephews and nieces. She also leaves one precious life-long friend of 70 years, Elsie McFarland.
Before having her family, she worked at the Overall Factory in Christiansburg. Then, she met Frank and they started a family. She spent her life providing a loving home for her husband and children. She decided to go back to work and spent 15 years working at Kroger of Blacksburg. Many years after the loss of her dear husband, Frank, she met J.L., who walked into Kroger and said, “one day, I will marry the woman who makes those biscuits!” She was, afterall, the best cook ever! After a short courtship, they slipped away and got married. They spent many fun years together, especially enjoying time at their summer home while boating on Cherokee Lake (Tennessee).
Violet is a true example of a strong Christian woman who loved her church family and enjoyed reading her bible; she taught Sunday School for many years.
The family would like to thank the staff of The Crossings/English Meadow of Blacksburg and Good Samaritan Hospice for their care and compassion. “Thank you” to all who have been a part of Violet’s life in any way; she treasured each encounter she shared with everyone.
Most of all, she wants her children to know just how much she loves each of them, and her only wish and desire is that they will continue to love one another as she loved each of them. “Mama, you will never be forgotten because there is a part of you in all of us.”
Violet loved flowers and they will be appreciated or donations can be made in her memory to the Sojourn Center of New River Valley (https://sojourncenter.org/donate/) for the building of a future Hospice House, or to Good Samaritan Hospice, 1160 Moose Drive, Christiansburg, VA 24073.
A Celebration of Violet’s life will be Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Merrimac Pentecostal Holiness Church. Interment will follow in Sunset Cemetery, Christiansburg. The family will receive friends Friday, April 26, 2019 from 6-8 p.m. at McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.