Sylvia Ann (Barber) Gowing

Sylvia Ann Barber Gowing, 87, passed away on April 26, 2026, at the Black Mountain Neuro-Medical Treatment Center. She was born on December 21, 1938, in Danville, VA, to the late Norman Barber and Pauline Russ King.

In addition to her parents, Sylvia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Peter Benjamin Gowing.

Sylvia made her home in Leicester, NC, for most of her life and was a devoted member of Freedom Baptist Church in Asheville. She cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren, especially when she was cooking for them—something she loved deeply. She and Peter shared a fondness for classic black and white westerns, a simple joy they enjoyed together.

She is survived by her children, Mark Gowing (Lisa) of Mill Spring, NC, and Ronald Gowing (Christine) of Dandridge, TN; her sisters, Frankie Woody (Joe) of Leicester, NC, Linda King Riddle of Swannanoa, NC, and Dianne Hyatt of Leicester, NC; her brother, Greg King (Cristie) of Arden, NC; her grandchildren, Travis Gowing of Weaverville, NC, Ross Gowing (Aliyah) of Inman, SC, and Alyssa Rice (Doug) of Louisville, KY; and her great grandchildren, Luca Gowing of Mill Spring and Sloane Rice of Louisville, KY.

A memorial service will be held on May 7, 2026, from 5:00–6:00 PM at Penland Family Funeral Home, 125 South Avenue, Swannanoa, NC 28778. Keith Hutchinson will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Freedom Baptist Church in Asheville, NC.

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