Virginia Brown Bowen died on Monday, March 2, 2015, at Hospice of the Piedmont Hospice House.

She was born in Richmond, Virginia on April 15, 1926, moved to Stony Point, Virginia, at the age of six and lived there until her early college days were over. She was the daughter of the late Pearle Kirtley Brown of Madison County and James Horace Brown of Brown's Cove, Albemarle County.

She was predeceased by her husband, Howard Wellman Bowen; her beloved daughter, Janie E. Bowen; and her brothers, James Edgar Brown and Dr. Arthur Kyle Brown.

She is survived by a son, Arthur N. Bowen, III and his wife Jackie; grand-daughter, Virginia R. Bowen; and grandson, Palmer Sinclair Bowen. Her additional family members are nieces, Beverly Long, Grant Larkin, Peggy West; and nephews, James Kirtley, "Butch" Brown and David Brightberry Brown.

She was a strong supporter of vocational education, began her teaching career as the first business teacher at Scottsville High School in 1947, and moved to her beloved Lane High School in 1950. Her final full teaching years were at Charlottesville High School, with several years of part-time teaching after retirement at Albemarle High School. She was an active participant at the state level in the preparation of teaching guides and was recognized for establishing the first state business program for special needs students. During most of her teaching years she was Vocational Office Training Coordinator placing students part-time in office jobs. She was also an adjunct member of the Piedmont College faculty for several years.During her career she served as President of the Charlottesville Education Association, President of the Virginia Business Education Association, Vice-President for business of the Virginia Vocational Association and as Vice-President of the Southern Business Education Association. She was a graduate of Mary Washington College and held a master's degree from Virginia Tech.

In addition, she was a long-time member of the Farmington Country Club, a volunteer and member of the First United Methodist Church and although she was a member of the Virginia Student Aid Foundation, she was an avid Tech football fan.

She leaves many good friends especially her pals and long-time group from around the bridge table and two very special friends Mrs. Reba Sandell and Mrs. Carol Elliott.In addition she leaves special thanks to Violet and Mary, and to the many kind friends and employees at Branchlands.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2015, at First United Methodist Church, Charlottesville with the Reverend Al Horton Officiating.The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 until 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2015.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a contribution be made to the First United Methodist Church or to a charity of your choice.Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com.

Submitted by Connie Crenshaw