Elizabeth "Libby" Bowman Ferrell

elizabeth

December 31, 1925 ~ August 13, 2018

Born in: Colfax, NC
Resided in: Atlanta, GA

Elizabeth “Libby” Bowman Ferrell, December 31, 1925 – August 13, 2018

On Monday, August 13, 2018, Libby Ferrell left this earth the way she always entered a room – with grace and dignity. Libby was born in Colfax, North Carolina on December 31,1925.  The sixth child of William Edmund Bowman and Essie Tucker Bowman, Libby spent her youth in Colfax and graduated with her Registered Nursing credentials from St. Leo’s Nursing Hospital in Greensboro, NC, in 1947.  Libby loved being a nurse and worked as an emergency room nurse, a floor nurse, and in a variety of doctor’s offices before changing careers when she became a full-time mother.

Libby married the love of her life, Henry Ferrell, on July 16, 1949, and they spent fifty years in Raleigh, North Carolina, raising their family.  Libby and Henry were married for 67 years until his death just 18 months ago.  Known for their love of friends and family, Libby and Henry loved nothing better than a spontaneous get-together or a party with friends.  Libby delighted in bringing friends and family from all walks of life together and was a seasoned hostess.  Bridge parties, dance parties, cocktail parties, and the like were all more fun when Libby was in charge.

Perhaps her truest calling, Libby became a mother for the first time when her son Keith was born in 1953.  Keith was soon followed by son Edmund, and daughters Ann and Betsy.  Henry used to say that Libby raised all four of the children mostly by herself, as his career in pharmaceutical sales involved lots of travel.  Libby was a wonderful mother and was famous for many unique mothering talents.  For example, Libby made award-winning Halloween costumes, and reveled in pride when one of her children won first prize in the costume contest – which happened often.  Libby was a master of enthusiastically helping with any emergency from last minute school projects to boyfriend or girlfriend heartbreaks to cheerfully being willing to “take AND pick up” from any school or social event when other mothers were just too busy.   Libby was not just a nurse at work, she was the neighborhood nurse – all the parents brought their sick or injured children to Libby first for triage.  Libby embraced being a mother for all of her years and was still mothering her children even as advancing age took a toll on her.

As her children grew into their teenage years, Libby found a passion in the North Carolina Museum of Art, first as a docent, and ultimately as the director of the exhibit for the Blind.  She was proud of the unique “please touch” display that was created there and the part she played in it.  In addition, Libby was an enthusiastic volunteer with the Raleigh Little Theater for many years.    When her children were grown, Libby went back to work as an office nurse for several doctors in Raleigh and was beloved by staff and patients alike.

In 2000, Libby and Henry moved to Atlanta to be closer to their daughters and began a new life with new friends.  They loved their life in Georgia, and the last 18 years have been good ones for Libby.  In recent years, Libby rediscovered her love for playing the piano and spent many hours entertaining residents at the different senior living facilities with her beloved piano partner, Emma Wheat.   Libby lived at Brighton Gardens of Buckhead since late 2016, and the family sends their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers who helped to make her last years peaceful and happy.  The family is also most grateful for the loving care Libby received from Kindred Hospice.

In addition to her four children, Libby is survived by her beloved grandson Alec, daughter-in-law Martha Ferrell, loving additional daughters Hartsell Taylor and Becky Salmon, and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and extended family members.   Libby made her mark on the world in her own unique way. She was always loving and she was always loved in return. She leaves a hole in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the nursing scholarship fund at the school of your choice or the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation.

There will be a private family service in Libby’s beloved home state of North Carolina at a later date.

 

 

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  1. Kay Byrd says:

    Libby and I walked together for many years at the North Hills Mall. She was a lovely person and good friend. It was a pleasure to have known her.

  2. Natalie says:

    I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort your mourning hearts. I pray that you find comfort in Revelation 21:3-5. This scripture paints a picture of a world that is very different from what we see today. A world with no more sickness, pain or death…and it is not a dream, it is a promise from God. He promises to reverse the effects of death and resurrect your precious one. You will never have to say a painful goodbye ever again!
    Jw.org

  3. Eleanor and Doug Taylor says:

    What a beautiful, witty, interesting and gracious lady and what a privilege to have known her! Rest in peace, Libby.

  4. Margaret Henderson says:

    I remember Libby just the way you so perfectly described her…there were many laughs and good times at the Ferrells house in Raleigh. It was a place where I always felt right at home…it was so many years ago, and I still remember both Libby and Henry well and warmly! Love to you all,
    Margaret Henderson

  5. Teresa Glover Rutherford says:

    Living one house away in North Hills, I spent many hours in the Ferrell home and have many fond memories of Libby. Halloween was indeed always fun and Christmas held the row of photos with Santa displyed lovingly in the front enrtyway. Your gracious smile and loving kindness made the world a better place.

  6. Dana Lyn Hoover says:

    Sweet Betsy, I met your precious Libby only a few times, but grew to love her through your stories, picture and an infamous quote that I hope you will continue to share with your girlfriends. I am grateful for the gift she gave us…..You! Loving thoughts and prayers during this time of loss.

  7. Cristy Caldwell says:

    My memories of Mrs. Ferrell are those of a precious soul filled with love. At every choral concert, whether at AMMS or her senior living complex, she always took the time to speak to me, give a hug and offer such thoughtful, kind words. Her smile was infectious as it evidenced how much she loved her family, friends and life! You will be missed, Mrs. Ferrell!

  8. Saudah says:

    My deepest condolences to you and your family, Ann.

    Best,
    Saudah

  9. Peggy Satterwhite Davis says:

    Ann, I’m sorry to hear your Mom passed away. Thinking of you and the rest of your family. Even though I have not seen you or your Mom in many years, I have such fond memories of your sweet mom. I always had fun at the Ferrell house! What a great childhood we had! Please say Hello to all. Thinking of you, Peggy

  10. Suzi Shaffner Gilmore says:

    My heart is breaking with sadness even as I remember such wonderful times with Libby and Henry in Raleigh.
    It was Libby who went with me to shop for my wedding dress and Libby who I could converse with in French over an iced tea. Whether traveling abroad to Hong Kong or just to Asheville for the North Carolina Medical Meetings, Libby was always in the center of the fun. She will always be the ‘Belle of Colfax’ and remains the perfect example of what a gracious and lovely Southern Woman should be.
    May Libby Rest In Eternal Peace with Henry by her side.

  11. Buck Greene says:

    I am thinking of Libby, Henry, and your entire family. I remember Libby’s fantastic smile. I so loved reading the stories you shared above. I wish you warmth and comfort while you tell the stories of Libby that make you smile. With Love, Buck

  12. Tim Chapman says:

    I know that my dear friend Alec Ferrell is a better man for having this incredible woman in his life.

  13. Lizzie Haber says:

    Even though Libby would never have known me, I knew her. I met her several times and as Ann’s mom she was a celebrity to us at Autrey Mill. The stories Ann would share made us feel so connected to this amazing woman. She left a legacy in her children. May her family be at peace knowing how loved she was. What a remarkable woman. We love you Ann.

  14. Traci Coleman Breit says:

    My deepest condolences to Ed, Keith, Ann and Betsy…Great Aunt Libby was a beautiful lady inside and out. She and her sister, Lois were amazing women! She will be truly missed but has been reunited with all of her family in heaven and once again by Uncle Henry’s side forever…May God hold you in the palm of his hands. ❤️

  15. Cari Begin says:

    What a beautiful tribute. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. May your Mother Rest In Peace.

  16. Marcia says:

    I will miss you Ms Libby. You brought so much joy to my days at Brighton Gardens.

  17. Cindy Stoothoff says:

    Bill and your family, Bob and I send our sympathy at the loss of such a lovely woman! What an excellent tribute to her very productive life

  18. Joann A. Cooper says:

    The Cooper Family in Raleigh, North Carolina lived next door to Henry and Libby on Rampart Street. What joys we experienced as Henry worked in the garden and Libby shared her nursing skills with the two active Cooper boys who were always encountering scratches and bumps. Sitting across the now-leveled playfield of the Brooks Elementary School. Libby and I talked often of the pleasantries of life in Raleigh and their family’s visits to Sunset Beach North Carolina. Our prayers of rejoicing are sent for Henry and Libby where they will join many friends with shared memories–two being our loved ones Corbin and Nelson. Joann, wife of Corbin and mother of Nelson, join with John from Austin Texas in sending blessings to all the Ferrell family and Alec, the special grandson.


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