Dorothy "Dot" Mooney Rowland

Dorothy “Dot” Mooney Rowland (97) passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026. She was born January 30, 1928 to Luther and Ada Mooney of Oxford, Mississippi. Mom was the youngest of nine. She grew up in Oxford and attended the University of Mississippi where she majored in Chemistry and minored in English and French. She was an Ole Miss Beauty, member of the Delta Zeta Sorority and was in the Ole Miss Band. She moved to Jackson to take a job as a legal secretary and met Tom Rowland on a blind date in 1950. Initially, they did not like each other, but found their way to love and married in October of 1951 (68 years). She spent her married life in Flora raising a family, making lifelong friends and traveling with her husband. She started teaching in 1969 as a high school chemistry teacher and later she moved to teach elementary school English until she retired in 1985. Our mother impacted so many students over the many years of teaching and many of you reading the testimony of her life will reflect on how she touched you in or out of the classroom as every experience was a teaching moment. She was active in Flora Woman’s Club, Parent Band Booster Club and of course her bridge club. She had an unwavering faith in God and loved her church- First Baptist Church of Flora. She was a member of the Women’s Sunday School Class and a faithful volunteer.

Mom was a loving mother of four and ran a tight ship at home. Everything had its place and everyone had a chore! She championed her children and grandchildren in every aspect of their lives. She was a fan of Betty Crocker cake mixes and we tasted every flavor this brand had to offer. Although very practical and smart, she had an ability to find humor and fun in so many things. Each of her children watched how she treated others and what a good friend she was to those she met. What an example! She loved and taught us the importance of scripture, prayer (“always go above your head”), good manners, to always do our best and leave things better than you found them.

She was happiest when she was on her patio watching all the birds, especially her hummingbirds and taking care of her eucalyptus tree (affectionally called “euky”). She had two guilty pleasures: coffee and ice cream. She could easily alternate between a cup of coffee and a bowl of ice cream several times a day!

Later in her life as her Alzheimer’s disease progressed, she needed extra help from caregivers. God answered our prayer to help us find loving caregivers. Her children give full credit of her long life to the extraordinary caregivers. Our rock, Bernada Clarke spent many years loving “Miss Dot” and keeping her safe and engaged. Our gratitude and our heartfelt love to you. Annette Clarke, our night angel, we are deeply grateful to you for tenderly loving and watching over mom as she slept. Jennifer Rankin, your flexibility helped fill the gaps in many ways to help provide care to our mom no matter the day or hour. Our love and thanks to you. Our thanks to all the Gentiva Hospice community who attended to our mom until her death. Our family’s hearts are full of gratitude to each and every one of you who took part in the care of our mother.

Mom delighted in her four children, 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She leaves behind Laura Lee Slimp (Bryant) of Houston, Texas, Steve Rowland (Jeanne’) of Laurel, Mississippi, Roger Rowland of Flora, Mississippi and Martin Rowland (Stacy) of Florence, Alabama. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. As Mom always said

“If the Lord is willing and the creek don’t rise, I’ll see you soon.”

Mom, indeed you shall see us soon in glory.

A Celebration of Dot Rowland’s life will be held at FBC, Flora, Mississippi on March 14, 2026 at 11am. The family will have a visitation from 10-11am prior to the service in the Sanctuary. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you send any donations to First Baptist of Flora, Mississippi.