Shirley Jean Sowders left this earth for paradise on October 29, 2020 at Graces Residential Care Home after a long battle with dementia.  As with most battles she fought, she was the victor.  She was 86.

Mrs. Sowders was born on May 3, 1934 in Houston, Texas and was preceded in death by her soulmate of more than sixty years, Edwin Alan Sowders.  They worked together as a team through ministry to others, preaching the gospel of Jesus through word and deed in small towns throughout Texas and a brief sojourn to Sitka, Alaska.  In 1970, Alan felt called back home to Boles Home to care for children in need.  Together they spent more than 30 years sharing their lives with the fatherless.  She was also preceded in death by her parents and her sweet daughter, Alita Sowders Gable Carter.

Shirley Sowders had a keen sense of integrity, honesty and wisdom tempered by grace and mercy.  Loved by her, you were loved protectively and fiercely.  Everything her hand found to do was done to the best of her ability with an artistic flair.  A great cook, a passionate craftswoman, creative Bible teacher and a so-so housekeeper, she perfected the art of "Chinese Fire Drill" to be able to hospitably welcome guests.  Her husband and children felt the fierce love in ways large and small.  Many MawMaw stories will be circulated for years by her progeny.  She is survived by her brother, Lonnie Breithaupt (Mary) and sisters Linda Breithaupt, Nell Sowders, Pamela Potter (Charles) and Cornelia Chejka.  She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Apryl Sowders Evans, grandchildren Travis Gable (Amy), Erin Evans Helm (Douglas), Jared Gable (Jennifer), Alan Gable (Kristina) and Trey Evans (Aimee), great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, Boles Home family and a multitude of friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Refuge International, P.O. Box 276, Hazel Green, Alabama 35750.