Lalah Marie Rush Bowman

Lalah Marie Rush Bowman, 89, of Sophia, passed away while surrounded by family on Friday afternoon, November 10, 2023, at Randolph Hospital in Asheboro. The daughter of Jefferson Harrison Rush and Nannie Roella Miller Rush, Lalah was born May 5, 1934, at home in Randolph County. She attended Trinity School and enjoyed an upbringing full of love as the youngest of ten.

Lalah met her husband, Allen Millikan Bowman, in 1950 during church at Randleman Friends. They were married in 1952 and shared a long life of love in Sophia. Lalah was retired only for the last four years of her long and fruitful life. For the 21 years prior, she worked as a Greeter and was a staple in the Garden Center at Walmart in Randleman. Lalah was also a poultry farmer and, in her early years, a hosiery seamstress.

The community will particularly remember Lalah’s time at Walmart fondly. One of the store’s first employees, Lalah’s spirit was contagious as she was always first to arrive, preparing to welcome friends and neighbors from the community. Many found her caring for the plant life in the Garden Center with great precision, while others fell victim to her practical jokes upon entry. On Lalah’s watch at Walmart, the plants were always full, and the people always smiled.

These traits carried over at home as Lalah’s care for her own garden was nothing short of masterful. Her wit and sarcasm played a large part in her amazing care of her family as well. Lalah loved a good laugh, and she was as funny as they come. A wizard in the kitchen, her “apple jack-pies,” baked macaroni & cheese, and persimmon pudding were sought after throughout the area. She lovingly and generously supplied these delicacies to family, friends, co-workers, and church mates alike.

Lalah was a longtime member of Mount Pleasant Church in Trinity where a stained-glass window includes the Rush family name. She was a compassionate and loving member of the Sophia community for over 70 years.

The youngest of her generation in the immediate family, Lalah was preceded in death by her parents and her nine older brothers and sisters. She is survived by her husband, Allen Millikan Bowman, of Sophia; two daughters: Debbie Bowman Thompson and husband Mike of Sophia and Beverly Bowman Hunt and husband Tom of Trinity; son, James Allen Bowman and wife Ginger of Sophia;  grandchildren, Angela Renee Rowland and husband Mike, Michael Leroy Thompson II and wife Ashley, Lane Thomas Hunt and wife Dru, Morgan Hunt Bills and husband Carter, Lindsey Bowman Cooper and husband Ben, Robert Allen Bowman and wife Lauren, Brett Harrison Bowman, and Kristy Thompson Flowers ; 19 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild, named Lalah.

A special thanks to the doctors and ICU nurses of Randolph Hospital for their loving care of Lalah, including her primary nurse, Haven.

Service & Visitation: The visitation will be held at Pugh Funeral Home in Randleman (600 S Main) on Tuesday, 11/14 from 5:00-7:00 pm. A graveside funeral service will be conducted at Randolph Memorial Park in Asheboro (4538 US Highway 220 Bus N) on Wednesday, 11/15 at 11:00 am. Pallbearers for the service include grandsons Michael Leroy Thompson II, Lane Thomas Hunt, Robert Allen Bowman, Brett Harrison Bowman; grandson-in-law, Andrew Carter Bills; and nephew, Randall Bruce Rush.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Plainfield Friends Church, Plainfield Rd, Sophia, NC and Hopsice of Randolph, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203. Pugh Funeral Home, Randleman, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online: www.pughfuneralhome.com