Evelyn Bowling Nolen

Evelyn Bowling Nolen, 93, of Ferrum, Va., left us on Monday, October 27, 2008. She was born in Endicott, Va., to the late John and Bendy Bowling. Evelyn was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Dewey C. Nolen; her son, Kenneth Nolen; her brothers, Wilton Bowling, Charley Bowling, Kermit Bowling, James C. Bowling; and her sisters, Goldie Prillaman, Ruby Gillispie, Lourie Williams, Macie Wood, Christine Ingram, Sally Nolen and Silla Reed. Evelyn is survived by her children, Mary Jane Nolen Matherly (Lynn), Eleanor Sue Fulcher, and Johnny D. Nolen (Gloria); grandchildren, Michele Matherly (Steve Coleman), Deborah Fulcher Joyce (Barry), Jeffrey Fulcher (Renée), Jalyn N. M. Daniels-Boyd (Steve Boyd); John Fulcher (Sonya), Jennifer Nolen (Robert Clark), and John Simon Nolen (Annette); 15 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family members. Evelyn was known as the shoe lady at Leggett Department Store, where she fitted many of Franklin County families' shoes over many years and made a lot of friends. She was a former voter registrar in Ferrum, Va., and enjoyed working the polls and greeting all her neighbors. Early in her career, Evelyn and Dewey worked in "Uncle Robert Dehart's" store on Shooting Creek and later owned a wholesale grocery in Ferrum and then Ferrum Café. The family wants to thank everyone that has visited Evelyn and included her in their warm wishes. Graveside services will be conducted 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2008, at Franklin Memorial Park with the Rev. Ben Layman officiating. In lieu of flowers and food, donations in Evelyn's memory can be made to Ferrum Rescue Squad, c/o Captain Lisa McCaul, 1392 Jamison Mill Road, Henry, Va. 24102. Friends may call after 4 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2008, with her family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Flora Funeral Service, 665 South Main Street, Rocky Mount, Va.