Ashleigh Nichole Bowling

Ashleigh Nichole Bowling, 34, of Chester, VA, passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024. She was born on August 18, 1990, in Suffolk, VA. She was a 2008 graduate of Nottoway High School. She graduated from Longwood University with her bachelor's degree, and then went on to pursue her master’s degree at Liberty University. Ashleigh had a deep passion for the education industry, and cherished her time in the classroom. A proud and devoted “Aunt Ally”, she adored her nieces and nephews, who were the light of her life- loving them as if they were her own. Known as the "mother hen" of the family, she took care of everyone with her tenacious yet caring spirit. Ashleigh was an animal lover, especially fond of her dogs, and found joy in the simple pleasures—working on her jigsaw puzzles, shopping, watching cooking shows, and watching her favorite movie, The Sound of Music. A lover of history, particularly the Civil War, she was admired for her vast knowledge on the subject. Ashleigh’s presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her mother, Sarah Bowling Gilbertson; stepfather, Joe Gilbertson; fur-baby, Drama; sister, Kristin Bowling Corbin (Joey); stepsisters, CeCile, Jessica, and Sandra; nieces and nephews, Abel Bowling, Dawson Corbin, Harper Corbin, Diana Corbin, and Aurora Rickett; grandparents, William and Joan Bowling; aunts and uncles, Rachel White (John), Daniel Bowling (Laura), and Mary Yerby (Wayne); cousins, Nicholas White, Stephanie White, Catherine Bowling, Jacob Bowling, and Logan Yerby; and numerous extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her fur-baby, Henry.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834. Interment will take place privately in Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg, VA.

The family kindly requests in lieu of cut flowers, those wishing to give floral arrangements consider gifting potted plants, as the family will be planting them in a garden in memory of Ashleigh’s life, or you may donate to your local SPCA, animal shelter, or humane society in her memory.