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2014 SESSION
WHEREAS, Elizabeth Thomas Bowles, who spent much of her professional life working for the betterment of Roanoke as a locally elected official and in numerous civic activities, died on December 10, 2013; and
WHEREAS, the desire to make Roanoke a better place began when Elizabeth Bowles observed that a vital commercial section of the city, the Williamson Road corridor, was not prospering; she and her husband, Ralph, owned several bakeries, including two on Williamson Road; and
WHEREAS, in working with local government to revitalize the area around her family’s businesses, Elizabeth Bowles decided to run for City Council to influence the many civic improvements she felt were needed; she served for 20 years, including time as vice mayor, and was the second woman to hold a council position; and
WHEREAS, as a business person, Elizabeth Bowles recognized that wise and carefully thought-out capital investments could reap large rewards for a municipality, but she realized that the results of some decisions made by local government may take years to achieve; the vibrancy apparent in downtown Roanoke today is due in large part to choices the City Council made during her tenure; and
WHEREAS, Elizabeth Bowles contributed her time and talents in many areas during a long and productive life; she was co-owner of Bowles Bake Shop, played a key role in bringing the Miss Virginia Pageant to Roanoke and was a member of the pageant board for 45 years, and she was on the board of Total Action Against Poverty for more than two decades; and
WHEREAS, Elizabeth Bowles was active in many areas of the community; she was a member of the Huntington Court United Methodist Church for 72 years and of the Williamson Road Woman’s Club, and she was a charter member of the Crossroads Lions Club; and
WHEREAS, Elizabeth Bowles had a love of gardening; she was a member of the Oakland Garden Club, where she served as president for three years, and she encouraged the construction of landscaping and beautification projects throughout Roanoke as a member of City Council; and
WHEREAS, Elizabeth Bowles, who was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph, will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her children, Patsy, Connie, Thomas, and David, and their families; and many other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Elizabeth Thomas Bowles, a dedicated public servant and force for good for the City of Roanoke for many years; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Elizabeth Thomas Bowles as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for her memory.