Diane E. Bowling
Diane Elizabeth Bowling
July 31, 1945 – June 30, 2026
Diane Elizabeth Bowling, 80, of Rolesville, North Carolina, passed peacefully on June 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on July 31, 1945, in Erie, Pennsylvania, Diane lived a life marked by compassion, unwavering faith, and selfless love for others. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose kindness touched many lives.
Diane is survived by her beloved husband of 36 years, Robert Bowling; her brother, Dr. Robert Miller (Rod Pierce), brother-in-law, William Bowling (Sherri), along with their families and her sister-in-law, Sue Miller, along with her family. Her children, Julie Elizabeth Gilliam (Mike), Lisa Narducci-Nix (Darren), and Joseph Narducci; her cherished grandchildren, Joseph Gilliam (Bayle), Carter Hill (Payton), Grey Gilliam, and Lauren Price; her precious great-grandchildren, Brooks and Ellie; along with many extended family members and dear friends who were blessed by her love and friendship.
After graduating from Saint Vincents Nursing Academy, Diane pursued a career as a Registered Nurse, a profession that perfectly reflected her caring nature. She genuinely enjoyed taking care of people and found fulfillment in helping others through both life's challenges and its everyday moments. Even after retiring, that nurturing spirit never left her. Caring for family, friends, and anyone in need was simply part of who she was.
Diane loved spending time outdoors. Whether she was camping, boating, riding her bicycle, working in her garden, or relaxing at the beach, she found happiness in being active and surrounded by the people she loved.
For more than twenty years, Diane faithfully participated in Precept Bible Studies, where she developed treasured friendships and grew in her relationship with Christ. The fellowship she found there became a meaningful and enduring part of her life.
To those who knew her, Diane was a caregiver in every sense of the word—a constant encourager, faithful supporter, and unwavering cheerleader. Many described her simply as 'a light.' She had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, loved, and valued, offering comfort, wisdom, and hope whenever it was needed.
Nothing brought Diane greater joy than being 'Grandma.' Her grandchildren were the delight of her life. She created treasured memories through scavenger hunts, endless crafts, fishing and camping weekends, beach trips, and even learning TikTok dances alongside them. She delighted in their laughter, and simply spending time together, creating a legacy of love that will live on for generations. Her great-grandchildren, Brooks and Ellie, brought her immeasurable joy, and she treasured every moment she spent with them.
Above all else, Diane loved the Lord. Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life and the source of her hope, strength, and peace. If Diane could leave one final message, it would not be about herself. It would be that she knew and loved Jesus Christ with all her heart, and her greatest hope was that everyone she loved would come to know Him too. While her family grieves the loss of her physical presence, they rejoice knowing she is now in the presence of the One she faithfully served and loved throughout her life.
As the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 1:21, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
A private celebration of life will be held by the family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Amedisys Foundation in Diane's memory. The compassionate hospice care they provided during her final days was a tremendous blessing to Diane and her family.