Carolyn Bowers Owens

Carolyn Jane Bowers Owens age 78 of West Jefferson passed away Monday, November 24, 2025 at her home. She was born in Ashe County on Sunday, May 11, 1947, to the late James Paul and Cora Hartsoe Bowers. She was also preceded in death by her brother, John Wayne Bowers, and her sister, Darlene Bare. up in the mountains she loved so dearly, Carolyn learned early the values of kindness, hard work, and caring for others—qualities that stayed with her throughout her life. 

Carolyn spent 20 dedicated years working with Leviton Manufacturing, where she built lasting friendships. After retiring, she continued to pour her time and talents into the things and people she loved most.

Her faith was central to her life. As a devoted member of Mount Jefferson Presbyterian Church, Carolyn served as an elder and sang joyfully in the choir. She found purpose and fulfillment in her church family, living out her beliefs not only in worship, but in her everyday interactions—always offering encouragement, a helping hand, or a listening ear.

Service to others was simply part of who she was. Carolyn volunteered with the Red Cross, assisting with community blood drives, and gave many compassionate hours to the Sharing Center (Ashe Food Pantry) until her health no longer allowed her to continue. Whether through organized service or simple acts of kindness, she consistently placed the needs of others before her own.

Creativity and generosity came together in her love of crocheting. Carolyn spent countless hours making cover-ups, scarves, and baby blankets—each one stitched with care and usually intended for someone she wanted to bless. She also had a fondness for shopping and was the first to laugh as she described herself as a “compulsive buyer,” always on the lookout for something.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel by Rev. Will Heyward. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Mount Jefferson Presbyterian Church or the Scott Blevins Cemetery Fund.

Carolyn will be remembered for her gentle nature, her unwavering faith, and the way she quietly but powerfully touched the lives around her. Her legacy of love and thoughtfulness lives on in the hearts of all who knew her.