BETTY JO McNEILL ROWAN, of Germantown, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 18, 2013 at Baptist Hospital East after a three year illness and will be missed by all that knew her. She was lovingly cared for by her daughter, Ava Portis (Tom) of Germantown with the support of her other children Lynn Ferrier of Collierville, Robert Rowan (Susan) of Germantown and John Rowan (Peggy) of Cordova and many other family members who adored her. Her final wishes were to also give thanks to the numerous doctors and nurses who gave care and ministered to her during her extended illness. Born in Memphis, October 2, 1929, Betty attended South Side High School where she made friendships she continued throughout her whole life. Betty, a retired floral designer, loved reading, knitting, painting, spending time with family and friends and her involvement at St. Matthews Methodist Church. She was past President of The United Methodist Women, chaired pastor/parish relations, sang in the choir, helped teach refugee women English as a second language at The Methodist Neighborhood Center, tutored children at Sherwood Elementary School in The Read to Succeed program and taught a Sunday school class. Giving her time to others brought her much joy. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Robert James Rowan, Sr, Mother, Margaret Schmulbach McNeill, Father, Simon Phillip McNeill and brother Phillip McNeill. Along with her four children and spouses, Betty leaves behind her sister, Marylin McNeill Acuff (Mac), grandchildren, Doug Ferrier (Debi), Katherine Ferrier Atkins (Reginald), Ben Portis (Becki), Rebecca Portis Owen (Parkes), Barrett Rowan, Robert Rowan, Adam Rowan (Kristin), Andrew Rowan and Seth Rowan and nieces, Suzanne Harrison (Roger) and Sondra Lawrence (Brian), 10 great-grandchildren and a host of other family members and friends. The Memorial service will be held Monday, April 22, at Forrest Hill Funeral Home East, 2440 Whitten Rd. at 2 p.m. with visitation at 1 p.m. Family and friends are welcome at her daughter''s (Ava Portis) home for a gathering after the service for a celebration of her life. The family requests that any memorials be made to St. Matthews Methodist Church.

Forest Hill East Funeral Home (901)382-1000