WILLIAMSBURG—Linda “Pepper” Cooley Bower, 76, passed away in Williamsburg on Thursday, September 21, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in San Diego, Linda grew up in Pennsylvania, Charlotte and Virginia Beach. But Linda eventually made White Stone, her home, where she enjoyed raising her family.
For more than 30 years she also owned and operated her own business, Peppers, an upscale, whimsical women’s clothing boutique. People loved to gather and shop there. Her flair for fashion and her magnetic personality drew people from all over the state to visit and shop. Many of her local and out-of-town customers became lifelong friends.
Linda’s artistic talent was reflected through her work as well as her painting, interior decorating and creative tablescapes. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and traveling, but above all, she loved spending time with and entertaining her family.
Linda was a member of Kilmarnock United Methodist Church and throughout the years was part of several Bible study groups, which she cherished. She was also a member of both the Williamsburg and Northern Neck chapters of the P.E.O.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Jan Cooley; and her brother, Mike Cooley.
She is survived by her daughters, Laura Leigh Jones (Rob) and Heather Sowers (Mark); grandchildren, Logan Sweaney (Shawn), Zachary Jones (Kayla), Andrew Jones, Zane Sowers and Trevor Sowers; and great-grandchildren, Liam, Clare and Declan Sweaney.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 14, at Kilmarnock United Methodist Church, followed by a reception in the parish hall. A private interment will be held in Charlotte, N.C., at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Linda’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) or the P.E.O. (donations.peointernational.org). Condolences may be shared at https://www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.
