Mary Jane Shoemaker

Shoemaker, Mary Jane Bowling- age 101, went to her long-awaited heavenly home on Monday, August 5, 2024. She was born to Cecil and Leona Bowling in Pratt City, Alabama on January 28, 1923. Jane married Curtis Shoemaker in 1941. They joined Wallace Memorial Baptist Church in 1956 where she has been a faithful member for 68 years. Her unwavering dedication to her Christian faith was the core of who she was. She taught Sunday School for many different age groups and went on several mission trips. She enjoyed working for the Kmart Corporation in the business office, volunteering for a prison ministry in Knox County, and volunteering at the libraries at Austin East and Powell High Schools. 

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Curtis Shoemaker, parents Cecil and Leona Bowling, brothers Cecil Bowling, Oscar Bowling, Jack Bowling, and Dickie Bowling, and her lifelong best friend Mary La Rue. 

She is survived by daughter Pat (Lon) Shoopman, and sons Ed (Terry) Shoemaker, and Bob (Linda) Shoemaker. Six grandchildren: Jennifer (Allan) Webb, Aaron (Donna) Shoopman, Ginger (Scott) Giffin, Amy (Matthew) Garland, Hilary (Phil) Peery, and Scott (Kristin) Shoemaker. She had 17 great­grandchildren whom she adored. Brother Don (Carolyn) Bowling, and special neighbors Sam and Nancy Watts. 

Jane's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Windsor Ridge Assisted Living staff for treating her like family for the final three years of her life. Their love, care, and the way they kept her stocked with her favorite Hershey's kisses were indeed a blessing to the entire family. 

The family will receive friends at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church on Sunday, August 11 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with a funeral service to follow, Dr. Jim McCluskey officiating. Interment will be held at Sherwood Memorial Gardens in Alcoa on Monday, August 12 at 1 :00 p.m. Rev. Kent Williams officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Gideons International, PO Box 560, Powell, TN 37849, or the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, please make checks to Wallace Memorial Baptist Church and designate "Lottie Moon" on the memo line, 701 Merchant Road, Knoxville, TN 37912.