Jessica Patricia Rowell

Jessica Patricia “Pat” (Dolphin) Rowell, 88, of Dallas, Texas, passed away on October 3, 2026. Born November 10, 1937, in Sherman, Texas, to William Clive Hatfield and Jessica Hunter Ferguson, Pat lived a life devoted to family, education, and helping others.

Pat spent her high school years in Carlsbad, New Mexico, before pursuing her education at Texas Tech University and Texas Christian University. She later moved to Oklahoma City, where she earned both a Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctorate in Adult Education from the University of Oklahoma.

A dedicated registered nurse and educator, Pat made significant contributions to the nursing profession throughout her career. While serving as Assistant Director of Nursing at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City, she was elected President of the Oklahoma Nurses' Association, District One, in 1975. She later served as Assistant Dean, Associate Professor, and Director of Continuing Education at the University of Oklahoma College of Nursing. In 1984, she received the Oklahoma Nurses' Association Award for Achievement in recognition of her outstanding contributions to nursing education. In 1988, she was honored with a Distinguished Lectureship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

Pat took great pride in helping others further their education, particularly women seeking opportunities through technology and continuing education. She believed in lifelong learning and taught those around her the importance of generously giving their time, knowledge, and resources to others.

Outside of her professional accomplishments, Pat enjoyed life's simple pleasures. She loved rainy days spent with a good book, playing bridge with friends, working on needlecraft and crochet projects, and completing jigsaw puzzles with family during Christmas gatherings. She appreciated classical music, opera, and Broadway musicals.

An enthusiastic sports fan, Pat faithfully cheered for the Dallas Cowboys and her beloved Chicago Cubs. One of her most treasured memories was attending Game 6 of the 2016 World Series in Cleveland and witnessing the Cubs' historic championship season.

Above all, Pat cherished her family. Her greatest joy came from being a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she especially enjoyed time spent with her family and their beloved Labrador retrievers.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Ray Rowell, who passed away July 15, 2009, and her three brothers, Clive “Taye” Hatfield, Robert Hatfield, and Nicholas Hatfield.

She is survived by her daughter, Laura Corona, and husband Ben, of Dallas, Texas; four grandchildren, Jordan Brodnax of Castle Rock, Colorado, Summer Norris and husband Kevin of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Devan Corona of Denver, Colorado, and Alexis Corona of Atlanta, Georgia; two great-grandchildren, Hunter Brodnax and Sloane Norris; and niece Jana Hatfield, Sebring, FL.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Right at Home In Home Care and Assistance of Dallas, especially Nurse Dorrie, for her compassionate care and dedication to Pat's quality of life. Special thanks are also extended to the Visiting Nurse Association Hospice of Dallas, particularly Nurse Lee, for the exceptional guidance, support, and personal care provided.

A graveside service celebrating Pat's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.

Pat will be remembered for her intelligence, kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched, the students she inspired, and the family who loved her dearly.