Ms. Bowman was a long-time resident of Chapel Hill, but much of her heart and spirit remains in Kenbridge, Va., where she was born and lived with her eight siblings in a beautiful antebellum farmhouse.

Upon graduation from High Point College, she became a very popular and passionate elementary school teacher until 1979. During her second career, she was the owner of Avie’s Hallmark Shop for 23 years where she was admired and loved by her patrons and other business owners in Chapel Hill.

In retirement, she formed Avie’s Creations and joined the amazing talented artists at WomanCraft where she could display and market her award winning quilts and other crafts. Her work can be found in many homes and businesses in Chapel Hill and her trademark boxer shorts are worn by thousands nationwide.

Surviving are her three sons, Tony Bowman and wife, Ronda, Keith Bowman and wife, Christy, Eric Bowman and wife, Cyndie; and siblings Eldred Cecil Gunn, Dr. Clairene Gunn Weaver and Ray Robin (Buck) Gunn; and dozens of nieces and nephews.  A memorial service will be held Friday, Sept. 11, at 3 p.m. at University Methodist Church in Chapel Hill. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Quilts for Kids www.quiltsforkids.org