Lenore (Bowling) Boroughs

Frances Lenore Bowling Boroughs, age 96, left this world peacefully on the morning of December 27, 2023, joining Bill in heaven on their wedding anniversary. Lenore was born on June 19, 1927, in Jenkins, Kentucky, to Viola (Beverly) Bowling and Luke Bowling. Lenore graduated from Jenkins High School in 1945. In her own words of life in Jenkins, KY, and Hurricane, VA, Lenore wrote that she fondly recalled her grandmother Rosa Beverly’s house at the end of the lane, the apple orchards, the flowers, and the gardens. She recalled family gatherings at her grandmother’s house for dinner on the ground or hot biscuits served in the dining room when the preacher visited. Her grandparent’s home was her home in the summers and on weekends when she was growing up. Her father Luke, driving the Model T Ford and later a Chrysler, made the trip through any weather over the mountain from Jenkins to Hurricane to visit her family. In warmer weather, Lenore recalled sitting under a quilt on her grandmother’s porch enjoying the sound of the falling rain on the rooftop. Lenore’s memories of her childhood were the impetus for the purchase of property in Oldham County in the late 1970s where she and Bill went on to recreate this country living that she so enjoyed, the “farm” as she called it.

After high school in the mid-1940s, Lenore traveled cross-country by bus, train and the DC-3 airplane to attend the University of New Mexico-Albuquerque where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She was the first female member of the University’s marching band. Also, while at college, Lenore met William “Bill” Boroughs, the love of her life, whom she married at the First Baptist Church on Main Street in Jenkins on December 27, 1947. Following their college graduation, Lenore and Bill moved back to Kentucky. Lenore and Bill lived in Jenkins for two years before moving to Louisville when Bill accepted a position in sales with Brandeis Heavy Equipment and Lenore worked in advertising with Reynolds Metals. Transfers took them to Paducah, then back to Louisville, and finally to Crestwood.

Besides her family life, Lenore was accomplished in her work-life. She taught school, worked as a social worker, and ran her own antique store. She was an integral part of the family business, Boroughs Wall Coverings, started by Bill and Lenore in 1974, with offices in Crestwood and later on Bardstown Road in Louisville. She encouraged her four boys in their education and work, always a champion of their endeavors. She loved to travel for work and play; and she and Bill were involved with the Earl Nightingale Communications of motivational speaking and meaningful existence.

Lenore was a member of Harvey Browne Presbyterian Church, she was strong in her faith, raised in the Baptist church, and spent her life caring for her family and friends. She was always known to be very active and fully engaged in life. She was vibrant, intelligent, happy, adventurous, fun-loving, determined and even a bit devious on occasion - - her wit standing out! She was an avid reader. Lenore loved fashion, design and was known to be dressed for every occasion. She had many friends and stayed close to family. Many people sought her out to confide in her and have great conversations. She stayed active until the end, through Facebook, texting, phone calls, and sending handwritten cards, even this very Christmas season. In May 2023, Lenore was able to travel with son Brad returning to Jenkins and Hurricane to see her childhood home and visit her 101-year-old cousin Burns Gilliam. Lenore lived life to the fullest and her motto was “I Did it My Way”.

Lenore was preceded in death by her husband Bill Boroughs, her oldest son, David Boroughs, and her granddaughter Elisabeth “Lisa” Boroughs. Lenore is survived by her brother Ed (Barbara) Bowling, her sons Mark (Susan) Boroughs, Brad (Terri) Boroughs and Bart Boroughs, and her adopted daughter Georgia Bush. She is also survived by a granddaughter, Kathryn Boroughs. Lenore was well loved and will be deeply missed by all.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 2nd, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Arch L. Heady Funeral Home on Frankfort Avenue. Lenore’s life will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 3rd, at 1 p.m., in the Funeral Home Chapel, with a graveside service at Cave Hill Cemetery immediately following.

Memorial Contributions in Lenore's honor, may be given to Harvey Browne Presbyterian Church, 311 Browns Lane, Louisville, KY 40207.