Lelia Mae Bowman Mrs. Sibley Obituary (1940 - 2019)

Alpha-July 25, 1940 Omega- July 12, 2019 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24 Mrs. Lelia M. Bowman Sibley was born to the union of Anderson Bowman Sr. and Eliza Thomas Bowman on July 25, 1940. Lelia was educated in the Red River Parish school system. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at New Hope #1 in Hanna, La under the leadership of Rev. Sam Gooden. Lelia moved to Alexandria met and married James Sibley, Sr. in June 1958. To this union seven children were born. Lelia was a licensed cosmetologist and pursed a career in the medical field. She was employed 32 plus years at Rapides Regional Women's Hospital prior to retiring. She was a life-long member of Second Evergreen Baptist Church, currently under the leadership of LC.Whitt. Over the years she s(lng in the choir, taught adult Sunday School and served as a deaconess and usher. She was president of the usher board for many years until her health no longer allowed her to stand post. Lelia also served in her community as a member of the White Diamonds, Spirit of Joy and the Queen Bees Outreach Ministry. Lelia loved to spend time with her family and friends. She loved to travel, cook, fish, talk on the phone, text and keep in touch with family and friends through social media. She also loved to spend time and take rides with her friends Arinitha Branch and Jackie Leonard. On July 12, 2019 she departed this life at 6:30am. Lelia was preceded in death by her daughter Elaine Sibley Rose, her parents Anderson Bowman Sr and Eliza Bowman, her sisters Shirley Bowman and Betty Douglas, her brother Charles Bowman Sr.and Clifton Bowman. She leaves to cherish her memories to her husband James Sibley, Sr., her children Ronnie Sibley, Sr. of Shreveport, La, Cynthia Stevens, Steven (Tawania) Sibley, Michael (Kathy) Sibley and Jeffery (Mary) Sibley all of Alexandria, La and Janice (Samuel) Payne of Ashville, NC. Lelia has 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Her sisters Rita Riggins of Chicago, IL, Carrie Jefferson of Shreveport, La; her brothers Anderson Bowman of Hesperia, Ca, MacArthur (Ruthie) Bowman and Virgil Bowman of Shreveport, La. A host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and special friends Arinitha Branch, Jackie Leonard, and Mary Walker. Her stepchildren also held a special place in her heart.