Pearl Simmons Joyner Bowman, 95, died peacefully at her residence in Cedar Lane Apartments, Leonardtown, MD on Sunday, November 6th, 2011 following a number of years of declining health. A native of Caswell County, NC, she was the daughter of Elisha L. Simmons and Martha Rice Simmons, both deceased. Prior to moving to Leonardtown in September 1998, she lived in Burlington, NC for over 30 years, and was an active member of Union Ridge Church where in 1984, she was chosen as "Mother of the Year" by the Senior High Youth. Pearl was an accomplished seamstress who for over 40 years fashioned an abundance of highly crafted clothing for her family, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Over the years, there was many a young child who was delighted by her special gifts of clothing at Christmas, on birthdays and for school. As with her sewing abilities, throughout her life she willingly gave of her time, talent and finances to assist family, church and friends. She was a friend to all.
Survivors include two sons, Thomas W. Joyner, Jr (Emily) of Lexington Park, MD, and Ronald C. Joyner (Carol) of Poquoson, VA; three granddaughters, Helen Murphy (Doug) of Goochland, VA, Stephanie Joyner of Catonsville, MD, and Rebecca Joyner of The Hague, Netherlands, and two grandsons, Donald Joyner (Dottie) and Courtney Joyner (Kelly) of Poquoson, VA; three great granddaughters, Gwen and Astrid Jensen of Catonsville, MD and Adriana Joyner of Poquoson, VA, and three great grandsons. She is also survived by two sisters, Grace Shambley of Snow Camp and Francis Gilliam of Union Ridge, and one brother, Felix Simmons of Henderson, NC, and many nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Bowman was preceded in death by husbands Thomas W. Joyner, Sr. of Petersburg, VA and Van L. Bowman of Burlington, NC and infant son Donald L. Joyner, nine brothers, Roy, Otis, Porter, Luther, Ben, Robert, Clyde, Leonard, and Augrum Simmons, and four sisters, Eunice Roberts, Daisy Tate, Gladys Page, and Lessie Simmons.
The funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Dan Ficklin, Senior Pastor,Union Ridge Church, at Rich & Thompson Funeral Home in Burlington on Monday, November 14, 2011 at 11:00AM. Burial will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery in Burlington.