Aileene Bowman Richard

Aileene Bowman Richard, 84, of Hickory, passed away peacefully at Catawba Regional Hospice House in Newton, North Carolina on Wednesday February 22, 2017. Born May 30, 1932 in Catawba County, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Cleo Bowman. Aileene was an active member of Sandy Ridge Baptist Church in Hickory and enjoyed worshiping with family and friends. She was a talented seamstress and worked in the furniture and hosiery industry in Catawba County. Her grandchildren remember her for her yummy homemade strawberry jelly and dill pickles. Her favorite pastimes include playing with great-grandchildren, attending ball games, cross-stitching, gardening/canning, and picnic trips in the mountains with family.

Aileene is survived by her son, James “Jimmy” Richard and wife Tammy Richard; daughter, Robinette Hedrick and husband Rick Hedrick; grandchildren, Amy Haddock, Ashley Hatfield and husband AJ Hatfield, Russell Hedrick and wife Tara Hedrick, and Brittany Stilwell and husband Scott Stilwell; great-grandchildren Tristan and Bradley Haddock, Natalie and Ty Hatfield, Austin, Alexa, and Wes Stilwell; and Emma Hedrick; siblings, Rachel Bowman Bradshaw and husband Tom, Joe Bowman, and Dan Bowman and wife Jean.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years Robert Lewis Richard of Lincoln County; mother Goldie Cleo Sipe Bowman of Hickory, NC, father Ernest Ray Bowman of Alexander County and brother Donald Bowman of La Habra, California.

The family will receive friends at Sandy Ridge Baptist Church in Hickory, NC on Saturday February 25, 2017 from noon-12:45. A Celebration of Life service will be held from 1:00-2:00 following the receiving. Pastor Bill Sturm will officiate the ceremony. Burial service to follow at Catawba Memorial Park. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Aileene’s life. Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.