Laura Melton Bowman

Laura Melton Bowman went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the age of 88.

Laura was born Laura Oma Griffin on April 4, 1938, in Carroll County. She attended Woodlawn School through the ninth grade. At the age of 17, she married the love of her life, Burlie Melton, in 1955. Together, they raised five children and built a life filled with love, hard work, and family.

Following Burlie’s passing in 1985, Laura found love again and married Ivan Bowman in 1987. In 2008, at the age of 70, she proudly completed her GED, a testament to her determination and lifelong desire to learn.

Laura was a hardworking woman who spent many years working in factory settings, including 12 years at Guardian Industries. Even after retirement, she continued serving her community, working for Carroll County Public Schools for 11 years, transporting special-needs children to and from school.

Above all, Laura was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She had a heart full of love and a zest for life. She cherished her membership at Shiloh United Methodist Church, where she loved singing in the choir and being part of the Five Forks community.

Laura loved music and dancing. Although she enjoyed dressing up, wearing rhinestones, and getting her hair done, she was a tomboy at heart. She was always ready to hunt, fish, or play ball—and, more often than not, she could do it better than the boys! Her spirited personality, strength, and sense of adventure made her unforgettable to everyone who knew and loved her.

Laura leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

She is survived by her sons and daughter-in-law, Burley “Wayne” Melton and Billy and Dana Melton; her daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and Rock York; her stepchildren, Andy Bowman and Ginger Bowman; her Brother and sisters-in-laws, Junior and Carol Griffin and Betty Jo Griffin; her granddaughters, Leigh Anne Kyle, Adanna York, Deana Burcham, and Samantha Dolinger; her great-grandchildren, Landon Harmon, Abigail York, Jace Dolinger, Jordan Kyle, Peyton Burcham, Lexi Carter, Sadie Dolinger, Alyssa Carter-York, and Averi Dolinger; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Elva Victoria Griffin; her husbands, Burlie Melton and Ivan Bowman; her daughter, Susan Edwards; her son, Johnnie Melton; her granddaughter, Nilsa York; her sister, Helena Sheehan; and her brothers, Alfred Griffin, Harbert Griffin, Howard Griffin, and Ray Griffin.

Laura’s love, laughter, strength, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she is now resting in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior.

A memorial service will be held at Shiloh United Methodist Church on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 1:00 PM with Rev. Ray Bolen and Rev. Dina Clower officiating. Burial will follow in the Shiloh United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday from 12:00 until 1:00 PM prior to the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to:

Shiloh Global Methodist Church Cemetery Fund

C/O Carolyn Brooks

67 Shiloh Road

Hillsville, Va 24343

or to the American Cancer Society at American Cancer Society in memory of Laura Melton Bowman.

Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.