Willie Pritchard

Asheville - Willie Francis Bowers Pritchard, 101, of Asheville, went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 25, 2005. She was born in Hart County, Georgia on September 13, 1903 and was the last remaining child of 16 children born to Sanford Gordon Bowers and Mary Pinkney Texanna McGee Bowers. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Luther Pritchard and her children, Charles Julius Pritchard and Anna Jim Rymer. Following her marriage, she was a devoted homemaker and mother. She was also an active member of Newbridge Baptist Church until her health prevented her from attending. Prior to her death, she was the oldest member of the church. Surviving are her daughter-in-law, Estelle Pritchard of Asheville; her grandchildren, Sherry Hensley and husband, Kenneth of Asheville, Robert Pritchard and wife, Ruth of Chapin, South Carolina, Sam Pritchard of Alpharetta, Georgia, Kay Pritchard of Asheville and Travis Rymer and wife, Sharon of Ft. Myers, Florida. In addition, she is survived by her great-grandchildren, Jeff Hensley and wife, Cecelia, Joel Hensley and wife, Amy, and Tracy Pritchard; her great-great-grandchildren, Christopher, Nicholas, Alexander, Cole, Mollie, Jaxon and Dalli Hensley and Donnie Pritchard. The funeral service will be held 3 PM Tuesday at Newbridge Baptist Church with Rev. Clark Henderson and Dr. Jeff Hensley officiating. Burial will be at West Memorial Park in Weaverville. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral. At other times, the family will be at the home of Sherry & Kenneth Hensley, 29 Pelzer Street. The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff of Emerald Ridge Health Care Center for their love and care for her. Memorials may be made to Newbridge Baptist Church, 199 Elkwood Avenue, Asheville, N.C. 28804.