Ava Jo Perryman Bowling

Ava Jo Perryman Bowling was born June 10, 1930 in Salem, Arkansas. She left this life on July 24, 2017 in Salem, Arkansas. She was the daughter of Henry and Mabel Shell Perryman. Ava Jo attended the Salem Schools and graduated as valedictorian in 1948 from Salem High School. She attended college at Central Baptist College, Arkansas State College and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She studied Home Economics. After her first year of college she taught school at the one-room schoolhouse in the community of Fairview near Salem. She also taught Home Economics at Salem High School in 1951-52. During her college years, she worked at several different jobs including Sears Department Store in Kansas City, Missouri.   Ava Jo married Clarence Calvin Bowling on September 4, 1953 at Salem First Baptist Church. They lived in Fayetteville before moving to Beaumont, Texas which would be their home for 48 years. They had three children: Mark, Cindy and Sara. Ava Jo was an excellent homemaker and housewife. She provided stability, security and love for her children. She also worked part time as a secretary at Blue Bell Creameries Distribution.   Ava Jo was a dedicated and caring Christian woman. She was a member of Amelia Baptist and Westgate Memorial Baptist churches in Beaumont. She was a devoted Sunday school teacher for adult women. She was active in the Women’s Missionary Union, sang in the choir and was a supportive deacon’s wife. When she and Clarence moved to Horseshoe Bend, AR in 2003 they again became members of Salem First Baptist Church. Ava Jo was a kind and giving neighbor and wonderful cook. She also enjoyed reading and working crossword puzzles.   Ava Jo is survived by her husband Clarence Bowling. She is also survived by one son Mark Brian Bowling, daughter-in-law Debra of Edmond, OK; two daughters: Cynthia Gail (Cindy) Bowling Dammon, son-in-law Jimmy of Plymouth, IN and Sara Jo Bowling of Salem, AR. Four grandchildren: Blake Bowling, Lauren Dammon Rich, Holly Bowling Smith and Brett Bowling. Six great grandchildren: Tyler, Ashlynn, Parker, Jonah, Margot and Anthony. She is survived by one sister Gaye Perryman Miller. She is preceded in death by her parents Henry and Mabel Perryman, brothers: Harlin and Marx and her sister Hala Perryman Ferguson. She leaves a host of family and friends who truly loved her.   Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 28, 2017 at Salem First Baptist Church in Salem, Arkansas with Bro. John Hodges officiating. Pallbearers are Tim Hodges, John Hodges, Mark Bowling, Dr. David Kauffman, Gaines Arnold and Larry Turner. Interment will be in the Salem Cemetery in Salem, Arkansas. Visitation will be 10:00 ~ 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 28, 2017 at Salem First Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to Salem First Baptist Church and the Salem Cemetery Association. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home of Salem, Arkansas.