Please join us in celebrating the life of Virginia Thompson Rowe, our beloved wife, mother and teacher on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 2:00pm at Collier-Butler Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Craig Carlisle will officiate. A private interment will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Forest Hills Cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama.
Virginia was born in Gadsden, AL, on July 3, 1943, the daughter of Benjamin and Pearl (Haas) Thompson. She graduated from Gadsden High School in 1961 and earned a BA in English from Samford University in 1964. While at Samford, Virginia met her future husband, Palmer Rowe. She committed to life as a military spouse while raising three sons and pursuing a career in elementary education. During Palmer’s military deployments, she taught in Department of Defense schools in Europe and at schools at various locations in the United States. When Palmer retired from military service in 1992, Virginia was glad to return home to Gadsden but was not ready to retire herself, as she loved teaching.
Virginia taught at Emma Sansom Middle School from 1994 until 2006. She was beloved by her students and fellow faculty members and was also the devoted sponsor for the Emma Sansom yearbook, “The Talisman.” Each November, Virginia organized a Veteran’s Day program at the school that received statewide recognition for its powerful tribute to members of the military.
Virginia was a terrific homemaker and entertainer. She loved opening her home for fun and fellowship with friends and family. For many years she held annual gatherings for Christmas celebrations and retirement groups.
Virginia was also active in church life and greatly enjoyed the fellowship at 12th Street Baptist Church. She was a vital part of Taste of Hope, the church’s weekly outreach program providing meals to those in need.
Virginia is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Palmer W. Rowe, Jr, her sons Patrick (Sarah), Peter (Jan), Philip (Holley), and Ricky (Cyndi) and her grandchildren, Haley Shaw (Kade), Holden Rowe, Kathryn Rowe, Margaret Rowe, and Helen Rowe. During her lifetime, she was blessed to know her great grandchildren Rowen and Kyra Shaw.
Pallbearers will be Holden Rowe, Kade Shaw, Shaun Rowe, Tyler Jones, Mykel Storey, and Gene Shaw.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the care team at Shirley’s Angels.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 1:00pm until 2:00pm prior to the service at the funeral home.
