Barnesville native reaches century milestone

Barnesville native reaches century milestone

Barnesville native Virginia Barnes Bowers, currently a resident of Groveland, California, will mark her 100th birthday early next month. Virginia, or "GG" as she is affectionately known by her family, was born on February 6, 1911, the daughter of Walter Lee and Lena M. Chappell Barnes.

According to historian Dr. D.O. Sheppard, her father was in charge of Western Union Telegraph operations here from 1913 until the family relocated in 1921 to a more temperate climate in Sanford, Florida. At that time there was a telegraph office on Main Street and one at the B & O Depot. Her uncle, W.O. Chappell, was a practicing attorney in Barnesville for over 60 years.

At Sanford, Virginia was in the inaugural graduation class. Following high school she attended classes at Florida State and at Tallahassee College before returning to Ohio where she lived with her brother, Merlin and his wife, as she recuperated from malaria. In the Buckeye state, she continued college studies in business.

She and her late husband Alton Willard Bowers were married March 6, 1932. He owned a hair salon and she managed the firm's finances while rearing their three children, Gary, Luella Suzanne and Donald. The family removed to California in 1941.

From 1956 to 1976 she worked for the Los Angeles County Public Library. She currently lives with her daughter Luella Suzanne Schafer while son Gary lives in Carson City, Nev. Her husband passed on in 1973 and son Donald died in 1991.

Today, her family describes her as "a spry woman who enjoys practicing tai chi and listening to books on tape and sermons on television since her eyesight is somewhat diminished."

The family welcomes cards and best wishes for Virginia's big event. Please send cards to: Virginia Bowers, 20707 Point View Drive, Groveland, CA 95321.