Lelar Mae Jenkins Bowling, 96, (known to all as Tiny), departed this life on April 27, 2024, at Liberty Ridge Health Rehab in Lynchburg, VA.

She was born September 17, 1927, to the late George and Lizzie Burrell Jenkins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip Bowling, Jr.; four brothers, Waymon Jenkins, Naman Jenkins, A.L. Jenkins, Sr., and Earnest Jenkins, Sr.; and a sister, Olethia Roberson.

Lelar accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Crossroads Baptist Church. Later in life, she connected with Scott Zion Baptist Church where she was an active member until her health declined.

After retiring from Imperial Reading Garment Factory, she provided childcare for many children in the neighborhood over several years. She also did sewing for anyone that needed something made or repaired.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Marilyn Dudley, Phyllis (Stenson) Conley, and Phillip (Valerie) Bowling; grandchildren, Vincent, Danielle, Jamaal, and Phillip; and great-grandchildren, Naia and Noah; a sister, Kerine Anderson; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

A homegoing celebration will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Scott Zion Baptist Church. The family will be receiving friends and family from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Davis-Turner Funeral Service. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service .