Mary Bell Sowards

Mary Bell Sowards of West Hamlin went to receive her Heavenly reward after a long battle with cancer. Mary was 80 years 8 months and 14 days old. She was born January 1, 1939 in West Hamlin, a daughter of the late Carl and Audrey Bias. She was also preceded in death by her husband Mac Sowards; sister, JoAnn Johnson; brother, Paul Bias; and grandson, Michael Hoosier.
Survivors include: sons, Joey (Gail) Crum of West Hamlin, David (Ann) Sowards of Salt Rock; daughters, Teresa (John) White and Katie (Gary) Hoosier of Hurricane; sister, Helen King of Hamlin; brothers, Robert Bias of West Hamlin and George Bias of Lavelett; seven grandchildren, Bobby Stickler, Heather Dolin, Matthew and Jacob Sowards, John and Darin White, Gary Dale Hoosier; six great-grandchildren; Brianna and Brooklyn Stickler, Sarah and Kevin Dolin, Joshua White, Chelsea Boyles; six great-great grandchildren, Harley, Faith and Maverick Boyles and Jace, Carter and Katie White; and a host of family and friends that she loved dearly.
Mary was a loving mother and caring friend to so many. Mary was a lifetime member of the West Hamlin United Methodist Church, where she was an active member and sang in the choir, she was also a member of the Queen Esters Circle and a member of the Eastern Stars.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at McGhee-Handley Funeral Home, West Hamlin with Rev. Thomas Jeffrey officiating. The burial will follow in the Slone Triplett Cemetery, Pleasant View. A visitation will be Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.