Louise Horner Bowles

Her generosity knew no bounds! Louise Horner Bowles will also be remembered for her beauty and grace, fierce independence, tenacity, work ethic, charming wit and faithfulness to her family and friends. Louise (“Lou”) went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on October 31, 2025.

Born in Durham on August 25, 1929, she was the daughter of William E. Horner and Nancy Andrews Horner of Sanford, NC. From the age of 12, she worked in nearly every department of the Sanford Herald, which her father had purchased when it had only 56 subscribers — delivering papers, proofreading, reporting on society events, collecting bills, and sorting mail.

Lou graduated from Sanford High School, attended the Woman’s College of Greensboro, and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, studying sociology and physical education. She was Queen of the Men’s Monogram Club, May Queen, and lettered on Carolina’s basketball club team. A devoted Tar Heel, she continued to attend football and basketball games well into her seventies and, since then, made sure to watch every game on TV.

An accomplished athlete, Lou was a dedicated tennis and golf player and a member of the Greensboro Country Club, the Country Club of North Carolina, and Pinehurst Country Club. She won a state championship in her tennis division and even achieved a hole-in-one. Her community involvement was extensive, including the Junior League, Garden Club, Assembly Club, Women’s Investment Club, Cotillion Club, and Debutante Club. She was also an active member of West Market Street United Methodist Church, where she served faithfully in numerous capacities.

During her life, Lou worked for Burlington Industries, sold advertising for G Magazine, modeled professionally, and co-owned a shoe salon. Her hobbies included gardening and photography. Lou continued to be an accomplished bridge player until June of this year – opponents in bridge, gin rummy and Rummikub knew to hold on to their wallets!

Lou was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Richard Kelly Bowles; daughter, Donna Bowles Schweers; son, Richard Kelly Bowles, Jr.; and siblings William E. Horner, Jr. and Nancy Horner Hulin. Of special importance to Lou was her beloved dog, Sassy.

She is survived by her daughter, Laura Bowles Warren, and her husband, Jim, of Mooresville, NC; grandchildren Kelly Schweers of Bradenton, FL; Erin Schweers of Chapel Hill, NC; Katy Warren Oliver (Casey) of Knoxville, TN; Colleen Warren McWilson (Matt) of Huntersville, NC; and Christy Warren Bellis (Chris) of Winston-Salem, NC; seven great-grandchildren: Ruby Schweers Rutig, Jackson and Cooper Oliver, Weslyn, Avery and Carter McWilson, and Luke Bellis; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

A celebration of her life will be held at Well-Springs Retirement Community in the Florence Phillips Hall (1st floor near the Rotunda – 4100 Well Spring Drive) on Tuesday, November 25, at 3:00 p.m. A private interment for the family will take place prior to the service at New Garden Friends Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Salvation Army of Greensboro, PO Box 11209, Charlotte, NC 28220, southernusa.salvationarmy.org or to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, samaritanspurse.org