Joe Helen Rowley

2/04/1919 – 7/03/2024

Born 02/04/1919 in Ennis, Texas, to Addie and Joe Willis. Graduated from Ennis High School in 1936 and attended the University of Texas at Austin. She graduated from the University of Texas in 1940 with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry.

Joe Helen was married to James M. (J.M.) Rowley for 60 years, married from 1939 until his death in 1999 and worked for the U S Geological Survey during World War II, doing water quality testing. She was a member of Great Hills Baptist Church for many years and did a lot of volunteer work there.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Addie Willis, her husband James (J.M.), her son, Kenneth Rowley, and her grandson, Douglas Michael Rowley, 4 sisters, Mable Wilson (“Sister”), Melba Walker, Muriel Barney, and Norma Smith. She is survived by her Son, James M. Rowley, Jr. (Martha), Son, Doug Rowley, MD (Pam), daughter, Ambra Batiste (Richard) and daughter, Helen Bartholomew (Mike), along with 13 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren.

Joe Helen, being the last of 5 girls born to her family was named for her father, Joe, since the family had no boys. She volunteered at many positions while raising her children, such as Scout leader and Sunday School teacher. She was always willing to help with tasks that needed attention.

The Family would like to extend a SPECIAL thanks to the staff and residents of Grand Living at Georgetown, where she spent the last 2 ½ years of her life. She loved them all and we appreciate their kindness, caring, and attention. We loved them as much as she did.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Joe Helen on July 24th at the Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin at 11:00 a.m. The family is requesting donations in lieu of flowers to any of the following organizations:

Great Hills Baptist Church

10500 Jollyville Rd

Austin, TX 78759-5629

Austin Pregnancy Resource Center (APRC)

2717 Rio Grande

Austin, TX 78705-4018

Fire International

Beth Wier

P O Box 5306

Concord, NC 28027-1505

One Mission Society

P O Box 1648

Monument, CO 80132-1648

CRU (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ)

P O Box 628222

Orlando, FL 32862

(ref acct #0676605/0112800)