Helen Rowley

Helen Swartley Rowley, 102, of Mebane, went to be with her Lord Saturday July 22, 2023. She was born September 1st, 1920 in Roxborough, PA, to Edward and Frances (Utwiller) Swartley. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years Stewart Rowley, brother Robert Swartley, and sister Dorothy Grego. Helen retired from Pennsylvania Manufacturers Insurance Company before moving to Mebane with her husband 36 years ago to be near family. She was a loving mother and grandmother and an active member of First Baptist Church. Helen played piano by ear, knew all the old songs, and played for the Sing-A-Long each Monday morning at the Presbyterian Home of Hawfields for over 30 years. She also enjoyed sewing and crocheting and made many beautiful quilts and afghans. Survivors include her daughter, Linda Holt of Mebane, grandson Mark Holt and wife Sherry of Mebane, granddaughters Karen Lunsford of Burlington, Diane Sellew and husband Walt of Mebane, Donna Roberts and husband James of Mebane, and Melanie MacKenzie and husband Chad of Mebane, 8 great grandchildren, and many adoring nieces and nephews from Pennsylvania who visited her annually.

The visitation will be at Walker’s Funeral Home of Mebane from 6 to 8 pm on Tuesday, July 25, and other times at her home on Graham Street. The funeral will be conducted on Wednesday, July 26 at 10:30 am at First Baptist Church of Mebane by Pastor Sammy Ballard and Dr. Terry Farmer. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Mebane. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 301 S Third St., Mebane, NC or Hospice Authoracare, at 918 Chapel Hill Rd in Burlington, NC. The family wishes to thank all the kind nurses with Authoracare for all the wonderful support they provided.

Walker’s Funeral of Mebane is assisting the family.