Obituary

Jonnie Elvie (Speikes) Bowlds, the daughter of John and Elvie Anna (Thurman) Speikes was born July 17, 1940, in Greenwood, Mississippi. At the age of two, they relocated to Marion, Indiana. The oldest of twelve, Jonnie was baptized at St Paul Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Kennedy, then later Rev. R.H. Faulkner, she continued her service under Rev. Carison Adams until her health began to fail.

In 1957, Jonnie met and fell in love with the love or her life, Larry Bowlds. They were married in November of 1958. The marriage was witnessed by bridesmaid, Thelma (Birdie) Cobb and best man, David Pettiford. Their happy union produced three proud children- Larri Alesia BowldsWilliams, Delona Jylvette Moore, and Russell Anthony Bowlds. Jonnie loved her family. She only entrusted Mary Wofford, Pat Brani, and Shirley Carradine to babysit her children outside of immediate family. She was an avid believer that “can’t never did anything” and she instilled strong work ethic and discipline as average was not an option. Jonnie was an encouraging person, she was always willing to assist and encourage not only family, but all who were open to higher achievements. She and Larry were pillars and well-respected members of the community.

She began her career as a teaching assistant at Frances Slocum Elementary School. Later, she worked at RCA before becoming the first black employee at WBAT radio station for several years. She ended her career with the Marion Social Security Administration, where she worked for 20 years. After retirement, she and Larry continued to create the perfect love story through travel. They visited many places across the United States and went on many cruises. During this time, they also relocated to Greenville, Mississippi to enjoy old friends and warmer winters. 15 years later, Larry and Jonnie returned home to Marion, where they continued their work in the community and strengthened their commitment to family.

Surrounded by her loved ones, on April 21, 2023, Jonnie quietly surrendered her earthly vessel and was called home rest. She is reunited in heaven with her husband of 60 years, Larry Bowlds, her parents, John and Elvie Anna Speikes, her father- John Henry Hinton and her siblings: Paul Edward Speikes, James Charles Hazelwood, and sister Jacqueline Saffold.

Left to cherish her unforgettable memories are her children: Larri Alesia Bowlds-Williams of Marion, IN, Delona Jylvette (Garry) Moore of Houston, TX and Russell Anthony Bowlds of Marion, IN; seven grandchildren, Amber Williams of Dallas, TX, April (Jarrett) Powell of Indianapolis, IN, Adrianna Moore of Houston, TX, Garry B. Moore of Houston, TX, Sierra Harris of Lafayette, IN, Natalya Williams of Marion, IN, and Brandon Williams of Statesboro, GA; one beloved uncle: Edward (Jennette) Thurman of Compton, CA; siblings: Myers Anthony Speikes of Marion, IN, Sylvester Speikes of Marion, IN, John Foster (Jo) Speikes of Lavernia, TX, Brenda Whitlock of Marion, IN, Karen Jones of Marion, IN, Darl Speikes of Dallas, TX, Jerry (Cheryl) Speikes of Marion, IN, Lynn (Leon) Nicholson of Marion, IN, Jerome (Annette) Speikes of Flower Mound, TX, Rodrick (Dawn) Speikes of Marion, IN, Johnny (Bobbie) Barner of Atlanta, GA, James P. Hinton of Forest City, AR, Barbara Turner of Los Angeles, CA, TW (Marilyn) Cooper of Itta Bena, MS, Sarah Hinton of Columbus, OH, Katherine Spivey of Itta Bena, MS, Willie (Mona) Hinton of Little Rock, AR, Stonewell Williams of Chula, MS; two sisters in law: Roberta Bowlds of Rockvale, TN and Patricia Bowlds of Phoenix, AZ; special cousins: Roberta Fristoe of Chicago, IL and Bernice Smith of Marion, IN; lifelong friends: Carol Jones of Marion, IN, Thelma (Birdie) Cobb of Marion, IN and Shirley Randle of Marion, IN; six great grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends.