Mary Frances Webb Rowe

Ms. Mary Frances Webb Rowe died peacefully on Thursday night, January 13, 2011, at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson. She was born July 18, 1920. Ms. Rowe was preceded in death by her parents, Anderson Greene Webb and Lena Maude Cruise Webb; and her siblings and their spouses, Alma Banner, Ed Webb, Velma Gray, Locke Webb, Lewis Webb, and Alton Webb; and her brother-in-law, Maynard Beamer. She leaves behind her loving sister, Christine Beamer of Mount Airy; and her children and their spouses, David and Inglis Rowe, Henry and Honey Rowe, and Martha Rowe Vaughn and Charles, all of Mount Airy. Her grandchildren are Christopher Ihara and his wife, Leslie, of Aldie, VA, Sallie Vaughn of Durham, Locke Rowe of Mount Airy, and PFC Anderson Rowe of Mesa, AZ. Her great-grandchildren are Emma Ihara and Ben Ihara, both of Aldie, VA. Mary was greatly loved by many nieces and nephews and their children who visited her often. Mary was married for 34 years to Henry Boyden Rowe, Jr., son of Henry Boyden Rowe and Sallie Lovill Rowe. After their divorce, Mary devoted her life to missionary work. She made over 25 trips all over the world spreading God's love and bringing her artistic talents to the far corners of the earth. She spent several summers at Mundo Vista, a camp for the youth. A building at Mundo Vista is named for her. Mary was known for her cooking and creative abilities, especially her sewing talents. Many people and places have been the recipients of her teddy bears, quilts, and wall hangings. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church and a member of the choir since her youth. She belonged to the Mount Airy Senior Arts and Crafts Guild and the Mount Airy Junior Arts and Crafts Guild. In her last years, she gathered around her an extended family of loving caretakers, including Christy, Dianna, Sheryl, Betty, Maxine, Candie, Janice, Sherry, Barbara and Joyce. She played games, shared craft ideas, cooking tips, and songs with them. The Rowe family will be forever grateful to these loving and caring women who enriched Mary's life and made her days pleasant. Love and thanks also go out to Dr. Roger Kerley, Dr. Glenn Golaszewski, and the wonderful staff at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home. The funeral service will be held Sunday, January 16, 2011, at 3:00 PM at First Baptist Church, with Dr. Roger B. Gilbert officiating. Interment will follow at Oakdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 1:30 until 3:00 PM in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Women's Missionary Union of North Carolina/Camp Mundo Visita, P.O. Box 18309, Raleigh, NC 27619-8309; First Baptist Church, 714 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030; or to the charity of the donor's choice. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the Rowe family.