Irene (Goodman) Shoemaker Bower

Irene Goodman Shoemaker Bower, age 88 of Jefferson, passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at Ashe Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Bower was born in Ashe County on June 4, 1934 to Allie Clayton Goodman and Jennitta Bare Goodman. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Wiley Shoemaker, her second husband, Bob Bower, a sister, Patsy Antoine, and a stepdaughter, Regina Hall.

Mrs. Bower enjoyed playing golf and riding her bicycle. She retired from Gates Rubber Company. Mrs. Bower was one of the founding members of the West Jefferson Church of the Nazarene. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Mrs. Bower is survived by:  two daughters, Wylene Taylor (Damon) and Darlene May (Keith) of Jefferson; two grandchildren, Brooke Whitman (Charlie) of North Wilkesboro and Evan Taylor of Jefferson; one great-grandchild, Eli Taylor; three sisters, Marlene Johnson of Galax, VA, Polly Taylor of Millers Creek, and Goldie Antoine of West Jefferson; one stepson, Charles Bower of Jefferson; three stepdaughters, Deborah Bower of West Jefferson, Sharon Miller of Lansing, and Colleen Bower of Wilkesboro; several step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel by Rev. Bennie Roten. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel.

The family respectfully requests no food please. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.