Barbara Rowe Sory

Barbara Sory, 84, passed away on Friday, July 21, 2023, as a result of a tragic fall in her home. Her husband of 62 years, Bob, and her family were at her side when she passed at Trustbridge Hospice. Barbara was born at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach on May 5, 1939, and was a multi-generational Florida native. The daughter of Phil and Ethel Rowe, she grew up in West Palm Beach and attended Palm Beach High School, Class of 1957.

She attended both the University of Florida and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and received a degree in education. In 1961, she married the love of her life, James Robert Sory, Jr. (Bob) whom she met at age 12 at Palm Beach Dance Cotillion. It was an everlasting love story that resulted in three children: Susan Sory Gordon (Lee), James Robert Sory III, and Devon Elizabeth Sory. Other surviving family members include her sister Susan Rowe Kelley of Madison, Georgia, a niece Anne Rowe Johnson (Gerry), nephews Chipper Kelley (Ake), Judd Rowe (Susie Friday) and Murray Hatcher, Jr. (Julie), sisters-in-law Liza Sory McKenzie (Gary) and Allayne Rowe, and brother-in-law, Murray Hatcher, Sr.

She was pre-deceased by her brother Steve Rowe, her nephew Sherrod Kelley, and her sister-in-law Martha Hatcher. She was adored by her two beloved grandsons, Samuel Baker Gordon and James Robert Sory, IV. Barbara was a sustaining member and enjoyed many community volunteer opportunities with the Junior League of the Palm Beaches. Barbara was a devout Christian. She raised her family as a member of Memorial Presbyterian Church in West Palm Beach and, in later years, was an active member and volunteer at Christ Fellowship in Palm Beach Gardens. In recent years, Barbara loved her bible study friend group and the lunches that followed. She loved to bake for family and friends and will be remembered as a wonderful hostess. Her favorite past time included enjoying her back yard nature preserve with her beloved husband where she raised butterflies and fed wild bunnies and cardinals. Barbara will be greatly missed by her devoted husband, her family, and her many friends. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.