SOWDERS, Wilma Jean (1934 – 2019)
Mrs. Wilma Jean Sowders, 85, of Artemus, went to be with the Lord Tuesday afternoon, July 30, 2019 at her home surrounded by loved ones. She was the daughter of the late Earl and Stella Mooneyham Martin born on January 12, 1934 in Knox County.
Jean spent most of her life working in the insurance business as a secretary, but her favorite job was working in her church cleaning, decorating, flower arranging, costume making or anything needed. She was the epitome of a God-fearing woman. She showed everyone unconditional love and always saw the best in people. She will not only be missed by her family, but by all those whose lives she touched.
On July 9, 1956, she united in marriage with Harry B. Sowders and to this union three children were born.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; three sisters, Wanda Jones and husband, Buddy, Naomi Farris and Glenda Hurst; an infant brother, Earl Thomas Martin; infant grandson, Jeramey Philpot and a brother-in-law, Kenneth Valentine.
Survivors include three children, Elaine Elliott and husband, Kevin, and Jenny West and husband, George, all of Artemus and Jay Sowders and wife, Tina, of Corbin; a sister, Joyce Valentine of Gray; brothers-in-law, Ray Farris of Corbin and Cecil Hurst of South Carolina; four grandchildren, Wendy Brewer and husband, Melvin, Rodney Philpot, Jed Sowders and wife, Whitney, and Devin Sowders and Megan Perry; eight great grandchildren, Kennadi, Kassie, Ryan, Ethan, Taylor, Bailee, Braylei and Cobe; among other loved ones and dear friends.
Her funeral service will be conducted at the First Baptist Church Artemus Friday, August 2 at 11 A.M. with Rev. Larry Sowders, Rev. James Vandy and Rev. Steve Mayle officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Sowders Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Jed Sowders, Devin Sowders, Ryan Messer, Ethan Brewer, Jerry Boles and Glen McDonald. Honorary bearers will be her church family.
Friends may call at the church Thursday between 6 and 9 P.M. and Friday prior to the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of WILMA JEAN SOWDERS.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.