Saltillo - Earline Jowers, 79, died Thursday, November 18, 2010, at her residence after an extended illness. She was born October 9, 1931, in Lee County to Earl and Lona Zelma Smith Stanford. One of the first women to serve on The Tupelo Police Force, she graduated from the Mississippi Police Academy and retired as a Master Sergeant after 25 years of service. She was a dedicated officer and enjoyed the time spent working for her community and helping others. She enjoyed camping, fishing, and canoeing, but more importantly, she was a devoted mother who loved spending time with her family and taking care of them. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ.

Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Bro. Jim Allen and Bro. Earl Mitchell officiating. Burial will be in Saltillo Cemetery.

Survivors include four daughters, Linda Tutor Ray (Richard) of Guntown, Shelia Moore (Larry) of Guntown, Cynthia Crosby (Mike) of Saltillo and Kim Harrison (Gary) of Baldwyn; three sisters, JoAnn Simmons (Carl) of San Diego, Calif, Joyce Parker of Mesquite, Nev., and Janice Lichvar (Michael) of Los Vegas, Nev.; one brother, Donald Stanford (Patty) of Saltillo; 12 granchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Jowers; two grandsons, Jeff Murphy and Shawn Murphy; and a brother, Jimmy Stanford.

Pallbearers will be Larry Moore, Mike Crosby, Jason Long, John Simmons, Ron Simmons, and Sherry Riley-Barnett

The Tupelo Police Department will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.

Visitation will continue Saturday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com