Barbara J. Bower

Barbara Jane Bower, 69, passed away 6:45 P.M., Thursday September 24,, 2015 at Herrin Hospital. A Memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday September 27th, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church in Carterville, IL with Mel Bower, Jr. officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 PM Sunday at the church. Barbara was born October 28, 1945 in Carbondale, IL to Hubert and Martha (McCluskey) Kelly. She is survived by daughter Kelly (Bill) Wilson of Normal, IL and Mel (Ellen) Bower of Carbondale, 3 stepsons Scott, Brent, and John Bower. Surviving grandsons William Wilson, Jackson Wilson, both of Normal, IL, and Brennan Bower of Carbondale, all of whom she adored. Other survivors include 14 step-grandchildren, Aunt Edna McCluskey, cousin Sherrie Sculley, and best friends of more than 35 years Meila and Bill Patula. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Mel Bower, Sr. Barbara graduated from Carbondale Community High School in 1963 and then attended Southern Illinois University where she majored in Home Economics. She married Melvin DeWitt Bower, Sr. in 1975 in Carbondale, IL. She devoted her adult life to volunteerism taking on numerous tasks within Giant City School and Carbondale High School. She was proud of her choice to be a stay-at-home mom and relished the many opportunities she had to support her children and community. Her life's passion was helping to start the Community United Pantry in Carterville, IL more than 20 years ago. She served as the pantry's president for many years. Barbara was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Carterville where she served as an ordained Deacon and Ruling Elder. Her family would like to thank Dr. Anad Salem and his staff for many years of exceptional care and service. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Carterville, IL and the Marion Medical Mission. Contributions can be made at the church or at the funeral home. Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is assisting with the arrangements. Please visit, www.meredithfh.com to share a story or memory of Barbara.



Service:



3:00 P.M. on Sunday September 27, 2015



First Presbyterian Church Carterville, IL







Visitation:



1:00 - 3:00 P.M. on Sunday September 27, 2015



First Presbyterian Church Carterville, IL