Barbara June Bowling

Barbara June Bowling, 87, of Hopewell, Virginia, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026. She was born on May 15, 1939, in Covington, Virginia, to the late Linwood Montgomery and Gladys Spangler Montgomery.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 35 years, Jack Bowling; her sister, Brenda Lemon; and her brothers, James Montgomery and Jeff Montgomery. She leaves behind her daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Carey Adams; her two cherished grandsons, Trevor and Garrison Adams; her sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Lester Bell; and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

Barbara dedicated 44 years to teaching in Hopewell City Public Schools, where her love for children was evident to generations of students. Her caring spirit extended beyond the classroom through her faithful service at First Baptist Church in Hopewell, Virginia. She was devoted to her Sunday School class and enjoyed caring for children in the church nursery. She also volunteered extensively for many years at First Baptist's Weekday Early Education (W.E.E.) School, continuing her lifelong commitment to nurturing and caring for children.

Barbara was an excellent cook and baker and found great joy in bringing people together around her table. Sunday family lunches were a cherished tradition, and she delighted in gifting friends, family, and co-workers with delicious homemade treats. Her food was one of the many ways she expressed her love.

Above all, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, a quiet example of the kind of person others hoped to become. Her gentle spirit, her open heart, and her steady love for those around her touched many lives. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know and love her, but her family takes comfort in knowing she is now at home with the Lord.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Hopewell, with interment to follow at Bermuda Memorial Park in Chester.

In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 401 N. Second Avenue, Hopewell, VA 23860, or to St. John's Episcopal Church (Music Ministry), 505 Cedar Lane, Hopewell, VA 23860.