Linda Bowlin

Linda Bowlin

Tupelo- Linda Wiley Bowlin passed away at home on Sunday, May 11, 2025, after a short illness with family by her side. She was born February 6, 1946, in New Albany, Mississippi, to Thomas Lamar and Pearl Robbins Wiley. She graduated from Tupelo High School in 1964 and then graduated cum laude from Mississippi State College for Women in 1967 with a double major in speech and math. After graduation, Linda taught for a short time at Milam Junior High School.

In 1967, Linda married Dr. John W. Bowlin, and they were married 50 years before his death in 2018. Together, they participated in medical mission trips to India, Venezuela, and Ecuador.

Linda was a faithful member of First Baptist Church for 69 years where she held many leadership roles. She taught Sunday school for over 50 years, led weekly year-round Bible studies, and led a class on prophecy. She was a huge influence and touched many lives through VBS, ESL classes, and a myriad of other ministries of the church.

Linda led Bible studies for Broken Lives Ministry and served on the board of Global Outreach International. Linda had a passion for missions, having served on several mission trips including travels to Guyana, Myanmar, and East Asia.

When her children were young, she was an eager volunteer in all their activities at school or at church.

Linda participated in many community organizations including Tupelo Junior Auxiliary, where she served as president, the advisory board of the Good Samaritan Free Clinic, and president of the Prairie Girl Scout Council.

Linda enjoyed playing bridge and tennis for many years, and in her later years, joined a line dancing class that performed in local nursing homes, and enjoyed many foreign adventures with her siblings.

She is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth Bowlin Nagel (James Loftin), of Pensacola, Florida; son, Joseph Bowlin, of Titusville, Florida; grandson, Carl Nagel, of Austin, Texas; brother, Dr. Thomas L. Wiley, Jr. (Merrie) of Jackson; two sisters, Lera Triplett (Palmer), and Ellen White (Steve), of Tupelo; and sisters-in-law, Debbie Wiley of Tupelo and Nancy Morgan of Collierville, Tennessee, formerly of Madison, Mississippi. Linda also leaves behind aunts, Jane Taylor (Don) of Hickory Flat, and Jean Butler, of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband; son, John Wesley Bowlin, IV; parents; and brother, Bob Wiley.

Visitation will be 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Pegues, Tupelo and 10 a.m. until service time Friday, May 16, 2025, at First Baptist Church.

Services honoring her life will be 11 a.m. Friday, May 16, 2025, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Ricky Young officiating. Graveside services will follow at Lee Memorial Park. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

Pallbearers will be James Loftin, Carl Nagel, John White, Matt Wiley, Michael Triplett, David White, Ben White, and Preston Wiley.

Honorary pallbearers will be Joseph Bowlin, Rowan Clarke, Dylan Clarke, and Landon Clarke.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Global Outreach International, PO Box 1, Tupelo, MS 38802, Broken Lives Ministries, 829 Kings Hwy., Pontotoc MS 38863, or a charity of one’s choice.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at PeguesFuneralHome.com.