Dorothy Marie Rowland

Dorothy Marie Pomeroy Rowland left this world for a better place on November 9, 2021, where she joined her husband, Whitney; her parents, Walter and Yetive Pomeroy; her precious sister, Jo Pomeroy Ayers and her mother-in-law, Billie Rowland. Dorothy was born June 7, 1923 in Dallas, Texas, but was raised in Pt. Arthur, Texas. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in May, 1941 and in February, 1942, after 5 months of business school, she went to work in the stenographic pool at Consolidated Steel Shipbuilding in Orange, Texas. Six months later, she met Whitney and they married February 4, 1943, beginning a 68 year journey. While Whitney served nearly three years in the South Pacific, Dorothy continued working at Consolidated, retiring at the end of the war as a secretary in the legal department.

Moving to Austin in December, 1946, Dorothy's banking career began at the Capital National Bank/Texas Commerce Bank/Chase. She retired in 1985 as Senior Vice President, Manager of the Private Banking Center and Director of Community Affairs. Serving as Regional Vice President of the National Association of Bank Women in the 60's opened the door of opportunity to volunteering locally. She served with Downtown Austin Community (they put the trees on Congress Ave), was the first woman president of the Austin Chamber of Commerce as well as Campaign Chair for the United Way and American Cancer Crusade before retirement. She served on the Bergstrom Austin Community Council from 1977 until it was dissolved.

After retirement, Dorothy continued her volunteer work as a charter member of the Seton Westlake Guild. She was elected to the Board of Austin Community Foundation and became president in 1994. Raised as a Baptist, she joined All Saints Episcopal Church in the early 50's, serving on it's Endowment Committee and later many years with the Caroline T. Smith Loaves & Fishes program. She also volunteered at the Westlake Community Library for over 20 years.

She belonged to Onion Creek Country Club where she was co-chair of the finance committee for the first Legends of Golf. She, for many years, continued to enjoy her OCCC buddies for mahjong every Thursday.

Left to remember her are her sons, Kirk and Jeff Rowland of Austin; niece, Jolynda Ayers Loeb and her husband, Jerry, of Village Mills, Texas; nephew, Andy H. Ayers of Groves, Texas; two great nephews, Brian D. Byrom and sons, Austin and Jackson; Clint M. Byrom, wife, Chrissy, and daughters, Rebecca and Sarah; three great nieces, Andrea J. Ayers Cormier and husband, Brett, and children, Emma and Owen; Alyssa J. Ayers and Kristen L. Loeb. Also considered family are Shayne and Courtney Wade and children, Landon and Xander.

Those wishing to remember Dorothy might consider donations to Caroline T. Smith Loaves & Fishes program at All Saints Episcopal Church, the Humane Society or a favorite charity of your choice.

Following cremation, Memorial Services will be held on December 2nd, 1pm, at All Saints Episcopal Church, 209 West 27th, Austin, Texas.