Betty “Doris” (Elam) Bowyer moved to heaven peacefully on January 7, 2026, after an extended journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Doris maintained her kindness and sweet disposition up until the end of her life. 

Doris lead a full life. She was a lifelong member of Vermont United Methodist Church. Around 25 years were spent investing love and care for babies and children at Broad Street United Methodist Church Daycare. She was owner/operator of Bus Station Restaurant in Elizabethton, TN. For several years she managed Love Meals Ministry at Vermont United Methodist Church. Her beloved grandchildren were helpers in all endeavors when available to assist. Her love for family endured to the end.

Preceding her in death are her parents Roscoe Elam and Matilee (Isaacs) Elam, husbands Theodore Vernon Meade, Sr. and Robert Edward Bowyer, Sr, and son Terry Bowyer.

She is survived by her children Theodore “Vernon” Meade (Sharon), Jerry Bowyer (Carolyn), Julia Bowyer Phillips (Bryan), Robert “Bob” Bowyer, II, and Diane Bowyer Morgan (JR). She loved her 18 grandchildren and a plethora of great-grandchildren. Her siblings include Lynn Elam (deceased), Tommy Elam (Lynette - deceased), Phil Elam (Ida - deceased), Ray Elam - deceased (Pat), Larry Elam (Martha), Helen Elam (deceased), Judy (Elam) Sells (deceased) (Jimmy), and Leo Elam (Marsha). She remembered and treasured her precious brothers until the end of her life. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Food Ministry at Vermont United Methodist Church.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, Kingsport, TN. A funeral service will follow at 1:30 pm in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Kim Isley-Selby officiating. A committal service will follow at at East Lawn Memorial Park.

To view a memorial video please click here.

Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Kingsport is serving the Bowyer family.