ERMA LEE BOWENS
1943-1961
  
Erma Lee Bowens, 17, was drowned Wednesday, August 30, while
swimming near the dam in Dewey Lake. She was a resident of Sitka,
and a daughter of Albert and Janorah Collins Bowens.
  
The victim accompanied only by a girl friend, Sharon O’Banion of
South Bend, Ind., suffered cramps while in water beyond her depth,
it was reported. Her companion’s cries for help failed to bring
rescuers in time to save the girl’s life. The drowning took place
about 1:45 p.m. The search began soon afterward, and at 3:55
members of the Floyd County Emergency and Rescue Squad found the
body in about 12 feet of water, less than 20 feet from shore.
  
It was the first drowning of the year at Dewey Lake.
  
Four Johnson Countians have met death this year by drowning, two
in the Big Sandy River north of Paintsville.
  
Erma Lee was born October 10,1943 at Williamsport and had been in
a resident of Sitka for 15 years.
  
Surviving besides her parents are four brothers, Robert, Arnold,
Dennis, and Donnie and five sisters, Garnet, Mabel, Beulah,
Shirley and Kathy all at home.
  
Funeral services were held at the home.
  
Officiating ministers were Irvin Castle and Raymond Dale. The
Sitka Quartet sang several numbers.
  
Burial was in the family cemetery in Martin County.
  
Paintsville Herald
Wednesday 9-6-1961
  

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