Donna Eileen Murphey Rowe

Donna Eileen Murphey Rowe was born on July 29, 1945 in Tyler, Texas to George Thomas and Ruby Murphey. She lived a short time in Tyler, Texas before moving to Dallas, Texas where she graduated from North Dallas High School. She moved to Greenville, Texas in 1970 and started her career as a bookkeeper.

Donna was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Greenville, Texas where she helped create the Country Store with several church friends. She served in several capacities including Nursery Director, Staff-Parish Relations Committee and played in the handbell choir.

Donna and her family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1994 and became members of Light of Christ Church in 1997. She served as a member of the Leadership Team, Missions Team Chairperson, creator of the “Sizzlin Seniors” Ministry, leader of a Women’s Bible Study and church choir member. Donna was also a member of the Assistance League of Charlotte.

The joy of Donna’s life was her family. When she was living in Dallas she worked at Crawford Smith where she met Bill Rowe, and they were married March 9, 1977 in Durant, Oklahoma. She was also a devoted mother who attended all school activities.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, James William Rowe; one daughter, Amanda Rowe; three nieces, Gloria Jo Chapoy (Alvin), Gail Dilday (Clay) and Rebecca Murphey Clukey; sister-in-law, Judy Murphey; brother-in-law, Thomas Rowe; grand-nieces, grand-nephews, great grand-nephews and great grand-nieces.

She was preceded in death by her father, George (Jack) Murphey; her mother, Ruby Horton Murphey; her brothers, George Michael Murphey and Robert Elton Murphey; a niece, Debbie Barreiro; and a nephew George Franklin “Jack” Murphey.

A service to celebrate Donna’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 5th at Light of Christ Church—9106 Bryant Farms Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28277. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the start of the service. Donna will be interred at Forest Lawn Cemetery East in Matthews.

In remembrance of Donna’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Light of Christ Building Fund, 9106 Bryant Farms Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28277.

Condolences may be offered at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.