Thelma Janelle Tyree Bowers

Bristol, Va. – Thelma Janelle Tyree Bowers, age 86, of Bristol, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at her home. She was born July 20, 1934, to the late James Tyree, Sr. and Mary Cornett Tyree, in Ashe County, North Carolina.

Thelma, affectionately known as “Janelle,” was a dedicated homemaker who will always be fondly remembered as a baker of delicious cakes. She was also an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, and loved dancing the two-step with her dance-partner husband. Janelle was a long-time member of Maple Grove Presbyterian Church.

In addition to her parents, Janelle was preceded in death by John W. Bowers, Jr., her husband of 55 years and love of her life; and two brothers, Jack Tyree, and Bobby Joe Tyree.

She is survived by one brother, James Tyree, Jr., of Limestone, Tennessee; daughters, Beverly Wilson and husband Junior of Kingsport, Tennessee, and Toby Jordan and husband Don, Jackie Williams and husband Bobby, and Rosie Roberts and husband Luke, all of Bristol, Virginia; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.  
Family and friends will gather for a Committal service, at 2:00 PM, on Monday, January 18, 2021, at Maple Grove Church Cemetery, with Pastor Stephen Talbert officiating. Lucas Jordan, Nathan Roberts, Tyler Hill, Jeremy Doss, Matt Whitman, Scott Robertson, and Jeff Carroll will serve as pallbearers. In accordance with Covid-19 restrictions, social distancing practices will be implemented, and face masks will be required for attendance.

Those wishing to express sympathy online or send “Hugs from Home” may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The family of Janelle Bowers is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, Va. 24210 (276-623-2700).