Services for Miss Jane Bowles, 99, were held in the Church of God. Born a slave in Oxford, Mississippi, her mother died in 1865 and the Bowles family adopted her. She was brought to Eastland by the S.B. Bowles family who raised her since the death of her mother. She has lived with Mrs. Virginia Bowles until her death. Since that time, she has lived with Mrs. Dell Cox, 407 S. Lamar, the daughter of Virginia Bowles. Miss Bowles' birthday was always celebrated by her adopted family and in recent years she received cards and gifts from all over the world. She is noted for her black and white checked bonnet. She spent many hours fishing, which she gave up in 1953. She spent her spare time making crocheted rag rugs which she gave to friends. She had perfect hearing and was capable of threading a needle without the aid of glasses. The community of Eastland offered assistance and encouragement upon hearing of her illness.

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"Aunt Jane" Bowles moved to Eastland from her birthplace, according to the record she moved to Eastland with Mr. and Mrs. Bowles in 1875. Mr.and Mrs. Bowles raised her from the time she was born. It is possible that Jane Bowles was born a slave. Mr. and Mrs. Bowles raised Jane with their own children. According to the widow's pension application, the Bowles were married on 10 Mar 1862. After moving to Eastland Jane and the Bowles family first lived in the old stone house on the old Holcomb place, now the Roy Brickman estate. There she spent many happy years of her life until the death of Mr. and Mrs. Bowles. Following their death, Aunt Jane lived in Mr. Bowles' daughter's home, Mrs. Dell Cox, 407 S. Lamar, where she enjoyed crocheting rag rugs for her friends. Ms. Bowles never married. Ms. Bowles passed away at the age of 99 years and is buried in the Bowles-Carter family plot in the old section of the Eastland Cemetery.