Ann Jones Bowling

Ann Jones Bowling died peacefully on June 22, 2023, at age 92 in her home in Vero Beach, FL. Born on November 13, 1930, in Eddyville, KY, she was the daughter of John Robert Jones and Mary Clift Jones.

Ann grew up on a farm in Kutawa, KY, with her parents and her sister, Jonelle, before the family moved to Louisville, KY, in 1945. She attended the University of Louisville, where she was a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority and where she met her lifetime love, James Chandler Bowling, whom she married on October 19, 1951. Before graduating, Ann was selected U of L’s “Miss Thoroughbred.”

Ann and Jim moved to Forest Hills, NY, when Jim was transferred by Philip Morris in January 1952. After having twin daughters, they moved to Connecticut in 1954 where they welcomed a son and later a third daughter and raised their family. After Jim retired from Philip Morris, they became residents of Vero Beach, FL.

Ann loved entertaining family and friends and traveling the world. She especially loved traveling to France, her favorite destination, and was fluent in French. She was a consummate corporate wife and helped support Jim’s career throughout their marriage. Ann also had a passion for both golf and tennis and thoroughly enjoyed watching tournaments; she particularly enjoyed inviting guests to attend the U.S. Open Tennis matches with her for many years. She was the matriarch of the family— vivacious, gracious, and strong.

Ann also volunteered her time for a number of different causes. She served as senior warden on the vestry at St. Luke’s Parish in Darien and on the board of trustees at Berea College and Midway College (now Midway University) for many years. She was elected Trustee Emeritus at Midway when she retired from the board, and in 2022, Midway University dedicated its welcome center to her, naming it the Ann J. Bowling Welcome Center.

She was a member of the Windsor Club in Vero Beach, FL, as well as the Wee Burn Country Club and St. Luke’s Parish, both in Darien, CT.

She is survived by her three daughters: Belinda Bewkes Metzger and her husband Jim (Darien, CT), Nancy Bowling Gramps and her husband Steve (Darien, CT), and Stephanie Bowling Zeigler (Rowayton, CT), eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Jonelle Jones Fisher, and her husband, Dr. Norman Sidney Fisher (Midway, KY), and by many nephews and nieces and their children. Ann was predeceased by her husband, James Chandler Bowling, in 1997 and her son, James Chandler Bowling, Jr., in 2002.

A family graveside burial service will be held at the Lexington Cemetery in Lexington, KY, on Wednesday, June 28, at 11:00 am. A reception will be held for family and friends following the service until 2:00 pm at Holly Hill in Midway, KY. A celebration of life will be scheduled later in Darien, CT.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Berea College, Midway University, the University of Kentucky, or the University of Louisville.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.