Carla was born in Rockwood, Tennessee February 1, 1930 to the late Carles Bowden and Anna Ruth Ferguson Bowden. Soon after her birth, the family moved to White Oak, TN. Upon graduation from Red Bank High School and Tennessee Wesleyan College she worked for a short time for the Navy Department in Washington, DC before returning to Chattanooga for a position at Wheland Gun Plant. Carla then served on the staff of Dr. Clyde Kirk.
Carla was an active member of White Oak Methodist Church. She taught youth groups and Sunday School until her marriage to Robert Coulter St. Clair. Carla began a different life of service. She became an active member of Rivermont Presbyterian Church where she was involved in many activities for women such as circle leader and President of the Women of the Church. Under her leadership, an active senior group was begun. She spearheaded a monthly publication for the senior events. Not only was she active in activities for the elderly, she served on the Boards of Young Life of Chattanooga and the Multiple Sclerosis Society to mention a few. The hours she spent as a volunteer at Memorial Hospital on Dr. Charles Portera’s Care Team she found especially rewarding. She served in various additional capacities including President of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Chattanooga Chapter Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers. She has been a member of First Presbyterian Church for the past 20 years, where she continued to be active in the Woman of the Church, even in a time of failing health.
Carla is survived by her husband of 50 years, Robert C. St. Clair; daughter, Joy (William) Lusk; three grandchildren, Robert, William and Clair; a brother, Donald (Ramona) Bowden of Huntsville, Alabama, two nephews, Carlos Bowden, Dale Bowden and a niece, Renee Mullins and numerous cousins.
Her many outside activities never interfered with her family life. She loved caring for her family. Many people enjoyed the fellowship of her table. Birthdays were special and she always enjoyed baking and decorating cakes. She loved the Smoky Mountains and travel. She cherished time with her daughter and her family, especially the grandchildren, Rob, Will and Clair.
Services will be held 11:30 a.m. Monday, June 6, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with the Rev. Len Teague officiating. Burial will be at Chattanooga Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 4 until 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Young Life of Chattanooga, P.O. Box 6231, Chattanooga, TN 37401 or your favorite charity.
Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, North Chapel. Share your thoughts on line at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.
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