Obituary

Phyllis Arline Burns Rowe, 89, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2022. She was born in Charleston, WV to the late Robert Burns and Sylvia (Huffman) Burns. Growing up in Elkview, she attended Elkview High School where she was the Salutatorian of her graduating class. When she was 20, while working for Appalachian Power, Phyllis (“Phyll”) met and married the love of her life, Paul Rowe, and moved to Charleston. She sang in the choir at Christ Church United Methodist and was a member of the Women’s Club of Charleston. She and Paul moved to Dallas, Texas where their three children were born. Ever the happy homemaker, she eventually moved back to Charleston and courageously raised their three children on her own after the death of her husband in 1972. Although surrounded by friends and a closeknit family that also included her mother, younger siblings, aunts and uncles, Phyllis bravely rose to every challenge as a single mother. She later went back to college and graduated from Morris Harvey College and returned to the workforce to support her family. She always felt and knew she was surrounded by people who loved her and lived her life every day with profound gratitude.

She was known for her sense of humor and her laughter, selfless acts of devotion to her family and friends, her love of music, cats and dogs, books and sports, her daily walks, water aerobics, planting flowers and hosting wonderful family gatherings. She was a longtime member of Christ Church United Methodist where she was formerly sang in the choir with her husband.

She is survived by her beloved children, Julia, David and Lisa; son-in-law Chuck; grandson Mike; nieces Linda Stewart (Gary) and Jeni Riser (Rob); nephew Mike Jopling (Cindy); and many extended family members and friends across the country.

Special thanks to the caring staff at Charleston Gardens and Mary’s Garden for loving Phyllis and helping with her care for many years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Phyllis’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association or Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association.

A private graveside service and Celebration of Life was held due to ongoing Covid concerns. Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home in Charleston has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.