LOUISBURG - Essie Virginia “Jennie” Edwards Bowers, 89, a resident of Franklin Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation, died Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011. A graveside service was held Friday, Feb. 18, at Sunset Gardens, with the Rev. Ricky Easter officiating.

Born in Vance County, she was the daughter of the late William Jasper Edwards and Ora Neal Edwards.

Surviving: sons, Jerry Taylor of Henderson and Freddie Taylor of Louisburg; stepsons, Jerry Bowers of Albuquerque, N.M., and Billy Bowers; sisters, Joyce Pool of Kittrell and Dot Winters Smith of Henderson; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Ernest Bowers Jr.; a son, Gene Taylor; brothers, Benjamin Edwards, William “Biddie” Edwards and Clarence “Buck” Edwards; sisters, Mary Journigan, Edith Byrd and Mamie “Sis” Faulkner.

Arrangemenets by J.M. White Funeral Home.