Barbara Irwin Rowland, lovingly known as “BIM”, age 84, of Arab, Alabama, peacefully passed away on October 29, 2026.
Born on March 17, 1942, in Crawford, Pennsylvania, Barbara moved to Florida as a
young woman, where she married and welcomed two daughters. During her years in
Florida, she worked at Pratt Whitney and Unity of the Palm Beaches Church.
In 1977, Barbara married Paul Rowland. Together, they shared a dream of moving to
Alabama and purchasing a small farm. In 1983, that dream became a reality when they
settled in Arab, Alabama, where they built a life filled with love, hard work, and
treasured memories.
Their farm became a special place, home to cows, chickens, rabbits, goats, pecan
trees, and a pond. Barbara and Paul spent countless hours fishing, while their three
grandchildren delighted in the freedom to plant flowers and vegetables, explore the
pasture and fish in the pond. Those simple pleasures created memories that would last
a lifetime.
Barbara was a member of Eastern Star, a Master Gardener, and a parishioner at
Huntsville Center for Spiritual Living. She also owned Brindlee Mountain Ceramics
Shop, where she discovered her love of ceramics and developed many lasting
friendships.
After retiring and eventually selling her ceramic shop, Barbara found even more time to
devote to one of her greatest passions: helping others. Giving back to her community
brought her tremendous joy. She and Paul helped establish the Ruth Volunteer Fire
Department (VFD) and the neighborhood watch. Barbara generously volunteered her
time at the VFD, Arab Senior Center, Public Library, Marshall Medical Center North, and
local animal shelters. She also quietly and compassionately cared for neighbors,
helping provide meals during times of illness and need.
Barbara believed strongly in civic responsibility and proudly worked local elections
before later serving as an inspector for two probate judges in Marshall County.
A woman of remarkable creativity and a generous spirit, Barbara had a special gift for
making things with her hands and giving them from her heart. She lovingly crocheted
prayer shawls, blankets for pets at the local animal shelter, and baby blankets for
friends and neighbors. No matter how busy life became, she always made time to cheer
on her beloved Atlanta Braves.
Barbara’s greatest legacy is not measured by the things she accomplished, but by the
love she shared, the friendships she cultivated, and the countless lives she touched
through her kindness and generosity.
She is survived by her daughter, Melanie Furney (Dennis) of Florida; grandchildren,
Elizabeth Trentman (Brandon) of Florida, Autumn Thomas (Zach) of Alabama, and
Robert Furney of Florida; great-grandchildren, Emily and Mason of Florida; brother,
Glen Ray Irwin of WA; and dear friends whom she lovingly considered daughters,
Margaret Boatright (Anthony), Janna Gibbs (Jeff), and Nancy Nolan (Isaac), all of
Alabama. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces who dearly loved her.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Rebecca Mason Cain and Matthew
Irwin; her sister, Sandra Miely; her beloved husband, Paul Rowland; her daughter,
Hayley Moore Rose; and her cherished fur baby, Mini.
Though Barbara will be deeply missed, the love she planted in the hearts of her family,
friends, and community will continue to grow for generations to come.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 9, 2027, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at The
Old Greenhouse, 909 N. Brindlee Mountain Parkway, Arab, Alabama 35016. Family and
friends are invited to gather to celebrate Barbara’s life, share memories, and honor the
beautiful legacy she leaves behind.
Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel assisting the family with arrangements.
