Biography: Eleanor Bowling was born November 14, 1937 in Beaufort, South Carolina, one of eleven children to Rev. William and Wilhelmina Smith. Eleanor received her early education at Robert Smalls High School in Beaufort, SC and was a member of the Grace AME Church, where her father was one of the Associate Pastors. Eleanor was a part of the family group called the Smith Singers that performed throughout South Carolina and on the radio. She also sang on the Grace AME Junior Choir with her sisters and brothers where her father was the choir director.

Eleanor along with her sisters Lee and Edith and longtime friends Loretta, “Lobby” Bruce and the late Geraloine Stokes were always together. Eleanor moved to New York in the early 60s. A marriage union was formed between Eleanor and Charles Bowling during the 60s and they had a wonderful son, Charles Alan Bowling. Later, Eleanor retired from Child Welfare Administration in Manhattan, NY, where she worked for years. Those left to cherish Eleanor’s fond memory includes her son, Charles Bowling of the Bronx, NY; nieces: Natasha Jenkins (Derek) of the Bronx, NY, Katherine Everett of Hampton, VA, Carla Smith Boone (John) of Ladson, SC; Stacie Smith of the Bronx, NY and Carmen Jeanne Roberts (Walter) of Pasadena, CA; nephews: Joel Smith of Trenton, NJ, Roscoe Washington (Sandy) of Lakeland, FL, Ronald Washington of Pasadena, CA, William Flake of Atlanta, GA, and Alexander Bryant of Hampton, VA; Grandnieces: Iaysha Everett of Hampton, VA, Ivy Everett of Philadelphia, PA, Marie Flake of Atlanta, GA, Michelle Hayes of Bear, DE, Jordan Jenkins of the Bronx, NY, Joelle Jenkins of the Bronx, NY, Sonia Smith of the Bronx, NY; Dear family, friend, Loretta Bruce and dear cousin Veronica Harvey and a host of other relatives and friends.