Mrs. Ina M. Rowell

Ina Marie Simmons Rowell, 92, of Henderson, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 13, 2019 at Autumn Leaves Nursing and Rehabilitation surrounded by loving family. Ina was born on August 1, 1927 at New Salem, near Henderson, to William Audrey and Mary Etta Morris Simmons. She trusted Jesus as her Savior when she was nine years old. Ina graduated from Henderson High School in May 1943 at the age of 15. She married Robert Wayne Rowell, the love of her life, on June 26, 1943. Ina earned a BA degree in Elementary Education in 1970 with High Honors, a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education, and a Mid-Management certification, all from Stephen F. Austin State University. From 1980 to 1990 she enjoyed being an evening Adjunct Teacher of Early Childhood Education at the University of Texas at Tyler. Most important to Ina was her salvation and her church. She was a long-time member of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. After the death of her husband, she moved to town and became a member of First Baptist Church. She taught children’s Sunday school classes much of her adult life at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, and the Care Givers Ladies Class at First Baptist Church starting in 1998. Her family and friends were very blessed by her love, her kindness, and her example as a Christian. Her pride and joy was teaching at Henderson Kindergarten and then becoming principal in 1976. She treated the teachers, staff, children, and parents like family; she loved them all and never forgot their names. She loved to crochet and cook. Many benefited from a gift of a delicious meal or a crocheted item she made just for them. Ina was a much-loved mother and Nannie to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years Robert Wayne Rowell, step-mother Lura Simmons, sister Juanita James, brothers Morris Simmons, Jack Simmons, John Simmons, Ralph Simmons, and Charlie Ray Simmons, and great-granddaughter Emily Grace. Survivors include daughters Linda Marie Rogers (David Earl) and Anita Reynolds (Elmer), sisters Syble Bassett and Judy Gilstrap, brothers Roy Simmons, Norman Simmons, and Michael Simmons, sister-in-law Imogene Maurer, brother-in-law James Rowell, grandchildren Chrystal Kirkpatrick, Justin Rogers, Melissa Clayton, Heather Johnson, Carly Allred, and Jared Reynolds, 12 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, a special nephew Rodger Love, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 19th at 2:00 pm at Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home in Henderson led by Dr. David Higgs and Rev. Jimmy Simmons. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Wednesday, December 18th at the funeral home. Burial will be at Ebenezer Cemetery with graveside committal service led by Jimmy Simmons. Pallbearers will be Justin Rogers, Jared Reynolds, John David Floyd, Rodger Love, Cameron Clayton, and Roy Lee Simmons, Jr. The family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to the staff of Autumn Leaves Nursing and Rehabilitation and Leslie King and staff of Angel Care Hospice for their compassion and professionalism. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Angel Care Hospice at 702 Fairpark Drive, Suite 102, Henderson, TX 75654. “It is not all of life to live, nor all of death to die. This life is but a probationary state given us to prepare for a long, long, eternity.” – Anna (Luter) Byrns, Ina’s great-great-great-grandmother. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Mrs. Ina M. Rowell

August 1, 1927 - December 13, 2019