Rosemary Bowery Obituary

KINGSPORT - Rosemary Payne Bowery passed away on Wednesday, October 25th, 2023, in Kingsport, Tennessee.

Rosemary spent her life as a loving and joyful daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, friend, and neighbor. She was always ready with a laugh, smile, and cup of coffee.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church through Golda Memorial and St. Matthew of Kingsport, as well as a member of the Tennessee Order of The Eastern Star.

She had an early career at Eastman Kodak until 1955; afterwards, she mostly remained at home, a constant and supportive presence in her family's lives. She also took great pleasure in 5:00 am walks on the Greenbelt with her sister, Rachel, and later on, had time for poetry, traveling to Nashville and Pigeon Forge, visiting flea markets, the Carter Fold, volunteering for The Salvation Army, being a Friend of the Double Bass Society, and, of course, keeping up with all manner of humor through PBS and British comedies on Saturday night.

She was preceded in death by her husband, V.E. Bowery, Jr.; her parents, Enoch A. and Nannie Dulaney Payne; three sisters, Doris Hale, Grace Burchette, and Rachel Bledsoe; two brothers, Burlie E. Payne and Robert E. Payne; special cousin Marcella Robinette, and her extra special brother- in- law Roy "John" Bledsoe.

She is survived by her daughter, Robin Bowery Hipsher of Hickory, NC; and her son, Verlin Edgar Bowery III of Kingsport, Tennessee; one brother, Ronald Payne of Chicago, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Rosemary's niece Mary Kathryn Little, for all of her assistance and care over the years. We would also like to thank the Bowery family for the care and kindness shown to Rosemary, especially in her later years. And to everyone at Wexford House of Kingsport, Tennessee; we consider you to be Saints that Rosemary was fortunate enough to have in her life.

The immediate family is not receiving at this time but would appreciate the presence of family and friends at a gathering, to be announced at a later date, celebrating Rosemary's life and remembering how special she was to all of us.

In lieu of flowers, please follow the link under Rosemary's obit on the Oak Hill Funeral Home website to make a donation in honor of Rosemary Payne Bowery to Bays Mountain Park; and at the earliest opportunity, take the time to visit and enjoy a local park or greenway.

The care of Rosemary Payne Bowery has been entrusted to the staff of Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services.