Mary Jo Bowman

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-Owens Funeral Home
5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd
North Little Rock, AR  72116
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
5-7pm
Service Schedule
Roller-Owens Funeral Home Chapel
5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd
North Little Rock, AR  72116
Thursday, August 4, 2016
10AM
Cemetery
Fairview Cemetery
Cave City, AR  
Memorial Contributions
Baring Cross Baptist Church
7541 Warden Rd.
Sherwood, AR  72120


Salvation Army Central Arkansas Women's Auxiliary
PO Box 1897
Little Rock, AR  72203
Mary Jo Bowman

of North Little Rock, AR

April 10, 1929 - July 30, 2016

Mary Josephine Story Medlock Bowman, 87, died Saturday, July 30, 2016, in Little Rock, Arkansas. She bravely battled cancer for 15 months with determination and purpose. Her faith in God sustained her each day and her positive attitude never left her.
Mary Jo was born April 10, 1929, to Arbus ''Dock'' and Ruby Girtman Story on their farm near Cave City, Arkansas in Sharp County. She was the second of six children born to this marriage.
After graduating from Cave City High School in 1946, Mary Jo moved to Memphis to attend St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing. She graduated with a Registered Nursing degree in 1949. She was a dedicated and caring nurse, listening to her patients and always putting their needs first throughout her career. Early in her career she was employed by the VA Hospital System working in Memphis and Little Rock before being employed as the first full time Director of Nursing at Presbyterian Village. She ended her career by returning to the VA Hospital System at North Little Rock where she was a chemotherapy nurse who truly loved her patients.
Mary Jo married Robert E. ''Bob'' Medlock, Sr. in 1950 and they were the proud and loving parents of three children, Melissa C. ''Lisa'' Medlock, Robert E. Medlock, Jr. and William Gregory Medlock. Bob died in 1974.
In 1980 Mary Jo married Glen C. Bowman and they enjoyed 34 wonderful years together. She and Glen enjoyed RV traveling and bus trips. Glen died in 2015.
Mary Jo is predeceased by her parents; both her beloved husbands; her dear son, Robert Jr.; elder brother and sister-in-law, John D Story and wife Ruth.
She is survived by her children, Lisa and Greg (Tina); her sisters, Barbara (John) Smith, Carolyn (John) Senterfitt, Helen Francis (Harvey) Brandt; and brother Gary (Norma) Story; beloved nieces and nephews are Scott, Doug (Annette) Story, David and Greg Smith, Tamara (Steve) Sobotka, Tonya (Josh) Gates, Samantha (Doyen) Huckabee, Donna Story and Andra Whitman. While she loved all her great nieces and nephews, she was especially close to Connor and Mason.
Mary Jo is also survived by her step-daughter, Sherry Glenette (Jim) Davis; step-son, Paul Urbanus (Marilyn); grandson, Mike; great-grandchildren, Cooper and Micah; sisters-in-law, Audrey Engles, Mildred Heffner and Jean Trick.
Mary Jo was a proud member of Baring Cross Baptist Church, her church was so much a part of her life. Until her health deteriorated, she participated in all activities and loved her church family. She was also a member of the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary.
The family wishes to express their thanks to her Doctors, CARTI and staff that treated Mary Jo for the last 15 months. We would also like to express our gratitude to the nurses, therapists and staff of the Oncology Unit at St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock, who gave caring and compassionate treatment to Mary Jo. The biggest thank you goes to Dr. Joseph Beck, II, who was always on her side. He was not only her physician, he was her friend.
In Lieu of Flowers, the family suggests, memorials be made to Baring Cross Baptist Church, 7541 Warden Rd, Sherwood, AR 72120 or Salvation Army Central Arkansas Women's Auxiliary, PO Box 1897, Little Rock, AR 72203.
Funeral service will be held 10 A.M. Thursday August 4, 2016 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd, North Little Rock, AR 72116. Burial will be 2 P.M. at Fairview Cemetery, near Cave City. Visitation from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday night at the funeral home.
Online Guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens

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14 Condolence(s)
Dwayne and Laura Lasiter
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, August 5, 2016

Lisa & Greg we are so sorry we were not at your mom's visitation or service. We were not aware of her death until today when we opened the church bulletin. We were honored to have been Mary Jo and Glen's neighbors for over 30 years. Mary Jo was very special to us. She was a wonderful, caring person and a great neighbor. Our sincere condolences to you and your families.
Dwayne & Laura Lasiter.

Andy May
Los Angeles, CA
Liked
Thursday, August 4, 2016

I have fond memories of Mrs Medlock. Being the mother of my best friend Greg, she was a constant presence in my life. I remember her as a caring mom, concerned with her kids and trying to keep us out of trouble. I knew her best while she was dealing with the death of her husband and the responsibility of raising her teen aged children on her own. Looking back I see now how strong she must have been to face these challenges and she did it with grace and without drama. My thoughts are with you Greg and Lisa. I know you will miss her.

Frances Carner
Bryant, AR
Liked
Wednesday, August 3, 2016

My deepest sympathies to the family, especially Greg and Tina. May God's peace and comfort surround you and keep you. I know He has your Mother in His loving embrace. Love you dear friends.

Story Family
ALLEN, TX
Liked
Wednesday, August 3, 2016

We send our love and condolences to all who remember Aunt Mary Jo. She was a special lady.
Annette, katie, Caroline and Doug Story.

John Douglas Story
ALLEN, TX
Liked
Wednesday, August 3, 2016

I had the pleasure and honor of knowing Aunt Mary Jo my entire life and cannot remember a time when she was not a caring, loving considerate person who always thought of others and went out of her way to make them feel included in whatever was going on at the time. I always looked forward to her phone calls and visits with her because I knew that time with this genuinely kind lady would be well spent. I loved her dearly and especially appreciated our conversations after my fathers passing.
She will be sorely missed by all who knew her and were touched by her love and kindness. Her memory will always have a special place in my heart.
My deepest heartfelt love and condolences to Lisa and Greg
in this difficult time.
It breaks my heart that I am unable to attend the funeral due to workplace policies, however, know that I am there for you and will visit when possible.
John Douglas Story

Debbie Medlock
Evening Shade, AR
Liked
Wednesday, August 3, 2016

DEAR LISA AND GREG, MY HEART HURTS FOR YOU. YOUR MOM WAS A WONDERFUL LADY. SHE WAS SO SWEET TO ME EACH TIME WE MET OR SPOKE ON THE PHONE. SHE WELCOMED ME INTO HER HOME A COUPLE OF TIMES TO SPEND THE NIGHT WHEN I HAD TO BE IN LITTLE ROCK SO THAT I COULD REST UP BEFORE WHATEVER MEETING I HAD. I HAVE ENJOYED GETTING TO KNOW HER OVER THE YEARS. I REGRET THAT I WILL BE UNABLE TO GET OFF WORK TO ATTEND THE SERVICES CELEBRATING HER LIFE. SHE WAS SUCH A SPECIAL LADY AND WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. YOUR FAMILY IS IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

John Headrick
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Lisa and Greg, I send you my condolences on the loss of your mother. It meant a lot to me when we had Christmas together at your mother’s after the loss of my mother. Those are special memories. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Andy May
Los Angeles, CA
Liked
Tuesday, August 2, 2016

I have fond memories of Mrs Medlock. Being the mother of my best friend Greg, she was a constant presence in my life. I remember her as a caring mom, concerned with her kids and trying to keep us out of trouble. I knew her best while she was dealing with the death of her husband and the responsibility of raising her teen aged children on her own. Looking back I see now how strong she must have been to face these challenges and she did it with grace and without drama. My thoughts are with you Greg and Lisa. I know you will miss her.

Joe and Jane lee Graham
Wye Mountain, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Our hearts and thoughts are with Mary Jo's family. I (Joe) have known Lisa for more than 45 years and my wife (Jane Lee) for over 30 years. We want to thank Lisa for letting Mary Jo be a part of our lives.
Mary Jo would go to football games, out to eat with us and fit in so naturally as a friend. She was fun and funny and had a kindness about her that was genuine. We are both so happy for our times together.
Mary Jo will be missed, but we have wonderful memories that will live on.

paul rawlings
heber springs, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Lisa my thoughts will be with you and your family during these difficult days. While in high school John D would spend nights with me and I would spend nights with him. Had many classes with Mary Jo-John D and remained in contact after our graduation in 1946--it was always good to visit with Mary Jo and I will miss our visits. We were friends for over 70 years and there are not many people I can say that about.

bruce mitchell
Hot Springs National Pa, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Lisa,
I'm so very sorry for the loss of your Mother. Your love and caring for her was exemplary. Your memories will help to ease your grief. May God bless your family.

Sherry ahring
Little Rock,
Liked
Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Lisa
We ate so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. You and your filter are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sherry Ahring

Dwight Pipes
Newport, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Sending my condolences at the loss of your loved one. I hope you find some peace in the memories made over the years. I feel I know Ms. Bowman from all the stories that her niece, Tonya Gates, shared about her over the years.

Susie shelton
,
Liked
Monday, August 1, 2016

My condolences to Mary Jo's family. I believe she is out of pain and with her loved ones that went before her. I will miss her always and keep her in my heart. My prayers are with her family.