Mr. Lucky & Big Sister

Meet James Alvie Bowling, born on September 21, 1913, in Lawrence County, Alabama, to Russell and Molly Bowling. James was a loving son, brother, husband, and father, always putting his family first.

Despite having limited formal education, James was a brilliant thinker, philosopher, and leader. He served as the Superintendent of the School System in Lawrence County, Alabama. His favorite saying was, “Some people have book sense, but it’s better to have mother wit (aka common sense).” And honestly, who among us can say the alphabet backward or divide 3,467 by 252 in our heads?

In a time when doctors were far and few between in Alabama, Alvie became his family’s go-to medicine man. He would venture into the woods to hunt for herbs and whip up concoctions that could cure just about anything.

James worked at Chase Brass & Copper Co. for twenty-five years and dabbled in several other business ventures. He also served as an Auxiliary Policeman and was a dedicated member of the Masons in Alabama.

Like many black men of his era, especially those with large families, James had to get creative to make ends meet. He had his kids, Kay and Ruby, bag popcorn to sell to factory workers across the street. He ran numbers for Shonda Burns, sold Old Crow from the back of his car, and peddled watermelon, corn, and other veggies from his truck. His presence was larger than life, and he was deeply involved in his children’s lives, even visiting their schools and giving staff permission to discipline them if needed.

James Alvie Bowling was a man of many talents and endless resourcefulness, truly a legend in his own right.

Elsie Mae (Scruggs) Bowling, born on July 10, 1914, in Courtland, Alabama, was the eldest of 13 children. She was a strong, quiet spoken woman who made every word count. Elsie had a flair for fashion, often seen in her favorite hats and fur coat, sipping on vodka. She loved to travel and always had a suitcase ready. Whether it was a six-week trip to Europe with her daughter Bea, multiple visits to Hawaii, or annual hot springs trips with her church group, Elsie was always on the move. Alvie humorously said she was like an old dog, ready to jump into any car with an open door.

Elsie cared for her parents until their last days while also taking care of her own family. She was deeply involved with her siblings, in-laws, and extended family, embodying the role of the family matriarch. She believed in the village concept, encouraging everyone to love and support one another. Each of her eleven children felt uniquely loved, with many claiming to be her favorite.

In 1933, James took Elsie Mae Scruggs as his loving and devoted wife. Together, they raised eleven beautiful children. In September 1950, they moved to Cleveland, Ohio, during the Second Great Migration (1940-1970).

James and Elsie owned and operated two delicatessens on 99th and St. Claire and Griffin Ave. They became affectionately known as Mr. & Mrs. Lucky, the faces of The Lucky Corner store. Elsie masterfully balanced work and home life, often seen stirring a pot of collard greens or black-eyed peas on a hot plate while tending to customers. She had a knack for making a meal out of anything, ensuring there was always enough food for everyone. Alongside her husband, they ventured into real estate, leaving a legacy of entrepreneurship for future generations to admire and emulate.