Rowena May Byrd

Rowena Dunlap Thomson Byrd, 102 years of age, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2018, in her home, with her daughter by her side. She was born to Welborn and May Dunlap in Comanche, TX on March 1, 1915.

Rowena lived on the Chapman Ranch, which at one time had been part of the legendary King Ranch in South Texas. She completed her early education at the Ranch.

After college graduation from Texas A&I, Rowena’s first teaching position was in Edinburg, TX. The last 30 years of her teaching career were spent with ECISD. Her 2nd grade students adored her, and she loved them. She often said she would have enjoyed being a carpenter if she had not been a teacher.

She was a multi-talented artist. In the 1950’s she sewed little girl’s sample dresses for Neiman Marcus. She could knit, oil paint, watercolor, draw with charcoal, sculpt in clay, pen, calligraphy, and create Batik art. Her artistic abilities were inherited from her mother.

Rowena was loved and respected by many, including her former students. She was patient, kind, and loving. Her voice was never raised in anger. She was a modest woman, not a person who enjoyed the spotlight. She told Carolyn, her daughter, that she was painfully shy as a young girl. Rowena tried to stay ahead of all decisions that she would need to make during her lifetime. In 2016, she began preparing herself and Carolyn for the eventual end of her life. Her mind remained sharp and she could recall, in detail, memories from her past.

She was a long time member of the First United Methodist Church, Wesley/Couples Class. Rowena was affiliated with the DZ Chapter of PEO, and international philanthropic organization for women. After retirement, she became an Auxiliary Volunteer “Pink Lady” for Medical Center Hospital.

Rowena was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Richard T. Thomson in 1959, her second husband Murray R. Byrd in 1991, her beloved grandson Josh “Trebark” Weaver in 2007, her sisters Sara Dunlap Curlee, Laura Jane Moore Perkins, and her nephew Richard Moore.

Those left to cherish her memories include her loving daughter and son-in-law Carolyn and Spud Mayo.

Survivors: include her oldest grandson Brandon Thornburg (Ann) and her great-granddaughter Brylyn Thornburg. Step-daughter Margaret Byrd Thornburg (Rip), youngest grandson Tanner Thornburg and great-grandson Cade Thornburg. Surviving family members include her nieces and nephews: JW Curlee (Lynda), Rowena Merkey (Dale), Sara Jo Pipkin, JoAnn Moore Grover, Sheridan Moore (Linda). She is also survived by numerous great nieces, great nephews, and their children.

Many thanks to her loving friends who stayed in touch with her over the years. Special thanks to her loyal friends Pat & Don Coleman, who drove over from Midland each month for a visit and stayed up-to-date with phone calls.

Home Hospice provided care for Rowena from the beginning of her decline. They were available, to take Carolyn’s calls, day or night. Veronica and Lori were Rowena’s devoted and compassionate 24/7 caregivers for the last month of her life. Carolyn would like to thank all the extraordinary individuals in the field of nursing and home care who made her mother’s life comfortable for the past 17 months.

Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. A memorial service will be held in the Ball Room at Lincoln Tower, 311 West 4th Street, Odessa, TX on March 1, 2018 at 11 AM, the day Rowena would have turned 103. The service will be conducted by Todd Salzwedel.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Rowena Byrd’s honor, to First United Methodist Church, 601 North Lee, Odessa, TX 79761, or the charity of your choice.