Gloria W. Rowell

The tranquility and peace of the Hospice House and the amazing grace of God surrounded Gloria Rowell on the day of her death on June 5, 2014. Gloria Constance Ward Rowell was a native of Florence County, South Carolina, but she considered Hickory, NC her home for the last eight years. Gloria lived life to the fullest wherever her life took her and she easily made friends which led to a whole treasury of stories and adventures. Gloria was a veteran of the US Army and proudly served her country on a hospital front during World War II. This allegiance to her country was instilled in her sons and two of them made the ultimate sacrifice for their country—one on the battle front in Vietnam and the other son, a Navy Seal, on home shores due to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. Gloria was honored to be an American Gold Star Mother and proudly displayed the gold star in the front window of her condo. Her body will be draped with an American flag which will be removed prior to her cremation. Gloria was an avid reader, loved to shop, enjoyed the mountains, the beach and shagging, adored her cats, Mickey and Pippo, and gave herself the most fashionable of manicures. One of her most memorable times in her life was the year she spent in Haiti as a civilian. Gloria was the mother of four boys—a feat all in itself!

Gloria is preceded in death by her parents, Kelly Jackson Ward and Lena Mae Langston Ward Kiker, a brother, William Jackson “Buddy” Ward, four sons, Bobby Gene who died at birth, Hazel “Bud” Hampton Humphries III who is honored on the Vietnam Memorial, Panel 24E, Line 95, Robert “Bobby” Eugene Humphries, and Kelly Patrick “Pat” Humphries. Survivors include her grandchildren, Ashleigh and Lydia Humphries of Newton, NC and Constance and Robert Humphries of Florence, SC, her daughter-in-law, Gina Young Humphries, of Newton, NC, and her sister, Kellie Mae Howle, and her five sons and their families of Columbia, SC, an “adopted” daughter, Eugenia Stockman, of Janesville, MN, and a dear friend, Gloria Floyd of Florence, SC.

Gloria’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the many earthly angels who touched Gloria’s life in her final months. . .the medical staffs at Catawba Valley Regional Medical Center, Frye Regional Medical Center, Trinity Ridge, the VA, Catawba Valley Home Health, Meals-on-Wheels, and finally, the angels at Hospice of Catawba Valley. Thanks also to her dear friends, her beer and chocolate buddy, neighbors, adopted families, and spiritual friends, Pastor Michael E. Collins and Pastor Tommy Hullette, who brought her hope, peace, and happiness during her final days on earth.

A private celebration of Gloria’s life will be held in the summer. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658. Willis Reynolds Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with Gloria’s arrangements.

May Gloria’s prayer also be each of our prayers, “Savior-Lord, cleanse me from all sin. Wrap me in your grace as you keep my soul radiant in the beauty of your forgiveness. Amen.”