Earlyn Bowles of Buda, Texas, passed away on August 11, 2017, at the age of 91. She was born April 28, 1926, in Locker (San Saba County), Texas, the daughter of Alvin C. Jamar and Lovena Brice Jamar. She grew up in Fort Worth and lived much of her life there and in Beaumont and Woodville, and the past 14 years in Buda.

Although Earlyn’s career was spent as a switchboard operator, retiring from the State of Texas, she is best remembered as a gifted porcelain artist who created exquisite work until she lost her sight 25 years ago. Earlyn endured her blindness with dignity and grace, and her courage, spirit, and faith inspired countless others.

Earlyn is survived by her son, Larry Church Bowles and his wife Barby S. Bowles, of Buda, and daughter Chelcy Bowles Peden, of Madison, Wisconsin. She is also survived by a granddaughter, Angela Lewis (Austin); greatgrandchildren Jefferson (Georgetown) and Schyler (Houston); a step-granddaughter Laura Zupko (Martin’s Ferry, Ohio) and her husband Jim, and their children, James, Courtney, and Joe; and many, many beloved nieces, nephews, and devoted and loving friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Marcus Newton (Newt) Bowles; grandson Larry (Buddy) Church Bowles, Jr.; sister Phentrys Wood; brother Lloy Jamar; and son-in-law William Peden. She was buried beside Newt and near her grandson in Woodville.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 26, at 2:00 pm at Hays Hills Baptist Church, 1401 N. FM 1626, Buda, Texas, 78610. Contributions in her memory may be made to Hays Hills Baptist Church, or to a charity of choice.

I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.