Obituaries

Virginia L. Rowlett

Photo of Virginia L. Rowlett
Mrs. Virginia L. Rowlett, 86, passed away Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016. She was born March 12, 1930 in Swifton, Ark. to Newt and Berchie (Halcomb) Stewart. Virginia grew up in Swifton and was a graduate of Swifton High School. She then furthered her education, while working full-time and raising her children, by obtaining a Masters degree in education from Arkansas State University. She taught fourth grade at Swifton Elementary School for 32 years, and is fondly remembered by the many students who attended Swifton school. She and her husband, Warren Rowlett Sr., raised seven children on the family farm. Warren, Virginia, and their children worked on the farm together, picking and chopping cotton, and raising rice and soybeans. They also raised cattle, pigs, and chickens. They had an extensive vegetable garden with fruit trees, and Virginia not only used the vegetables and fruit in season to prepare delicious family meals, but also canned them to be enjoyed during the winter. Virginia was a faithful member of the Free Will Baptist Church in Tuckerman, and rarely missed a service until her later years. At the church, she taught Sunday School, played the piano, and loved singing in the choir. For many years, she persuaded her adult children to join with her in performing special hymns for the annual First Sunday in May worship service and dinner on the grounds at the old homeplace of her husband, Warren's, parents in Swifton. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Sr.; two daughters, Joan Thompson and Angela Davis; brothers, Newt, Jim, and Bill Stewart; and her sister, Dora Lee Ford. She leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Linda Casteel and husband, D.B., of Cabot, Gary Rowlett of Little Rock, Stan Rowlett and wife, Mary, of Jonesboro, Beverly Rowlett of Little Rock, and Warren Rowlett Jr., of Swifton; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one recently born, great-great-grandson. Also surviving are two brothers, Howard Stewart and wife, Mildred, of North Little Rock, and Joe Stewart and wife, Pam, of Jonesboro; and many other relatives and friends. A visitation will be held 12:30-2 p.m. Tuesday, at the Free Will Baptist Church at Tuckerman, with services following at 2 p.m. Interment will be in Haynes Cemetery in Swifton. Virginia's family hope these few paragraphs convey how truly remarkable Virginia was, how much she was loved, and how greatly she will be missed. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. To leave a message of condolence, or light a memorial candle, please visit our website at www.jacksonsfh.com.

Published December 5, 2016

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