Shirley Virginia (Clayton) Bowes

SHIRLEY VIRGINIA CLAYTON BOWES, age 90, of Chub Lake Road, Roxboro,

NC, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 7, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.  She was the baby of eleven children born to Lillian Oakley Clayton & Albert Barton Clayton who preceded her in death.  Shirley was also preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Jesse C. Bowes, Sr.  Shirley’s siblings and their spouses all journeyed to heaven before her; brothers: infant Ivory Clayton, Calvin Clayton (Mildred), Reams Clayton (Pauline), James Clayton (Thelma), Elbert “Bo” Clayton (Dorothy), Edward “Ebbie” Clayton (Irene), Wallace Clayton (Annie Mae), sisters: Allie Ree Clayton (Giles), Geraldine Solomon (Fred), Viola Clayton (Floyd).  She is survived by many nieces and nephews and one special nephew who was like a little brother to her, Wayne Clayton (Elaine).

Shirley and Jesse brought into the world by their union, four children: Terri B. Palmer (Ricky), Jesse “Connie” Bowes, Jr. (Maria), Jeff T. Bowes (Melinda), and Lori B. Carroll (Jon).  They left to cherish her memory grandchildren: Russell Palmer (Nicole), Elizabeth Gentry (Robbie), Preston Bowes (Melodee), Cameron Bowes, Tyler Bowes (Courtney), Sierra Harris (TJ), Jonathon Caddell (Rachel), Heather Litchfield (Mark), Spencer Carroll, Meghan Peppard (Adam), great-grandchildren: Lorene Gentry, Bristol Teague, Jackson Caddell, Colton Caddell, Grace Gentry, Isla Palmer, Aiden Harris, Willa Litchfield, Diana Bowes, and four step-great grandchildren.

Shirley was a member of Oak Grove Church of Roxboro.  Prior to her health problems, she was very active in her church and community.  She hosted quilting’s at her home, was a member of the Methodist Ladies of Oak Grove, visited the sick and shut-ins frequently, spent much time with her grandchildren teaching them numerous life lessons.  She helped her parents and then her brother in farming.  She and Jesse grew many gardens and spent hours picking and preparing food for them and the family.  Shirley was well-known for her homemade fried pies, many of which brought large amounts of money for the Harvest sale at Oak Grove.  She gifted each of her grandchildren with her quilted creations.  She loved to play Rook, loved to beat the great-grandchildren at Uno and Trouble.  She could be found many days in front of a puzzle for hours.  She kept a spotless home and had a green thumb with flowers.  She loved to read books and spent much time in the Bible.

Celebration of Life services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2026 at Oak Grove Church with Pastor Greg Bouck officiating.  The family will receive friends and guests from 1:00 till 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church and other times at the home.  A private interment will be held at a later date.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a memorial donation to the Oak Grove Church of Roxboro Fellowship Hall Fund c/o Rose Wilkerson, 222 Fairway Drive, Roxboro, NC 27574.

Arrangements are by Strickland and Jones Memorial Funeral Services, 1810 Durham Road, Roxboro, NC 27573. Online condolences may be made at stricklandandjonesfs.com.

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