Elizabeth Leigh Rowan

Elizabeth, 3 ½, was welcomed into the arms of her Savior on February 19, 2014. During her short, but inspiring life, she was beacon of hope to everyone who met her. Her smile was infectious and her strength was formidable. Elizabeth was born is Dallas on April 13, 2010 and soon came home to join her beloved big sister, Caroline Grace Rowan, and beloved big brother, Michael Thomas Rowan. Her life was full with overcoming medical expectations and exhibiting in full view the absolute wonder and glory of God’s grace. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her great-grandparents David A. Nordyke and Loraine Nordyke of Waco, Thomas M. Elgin of Shreveport, Russell and Mary Lou Seward of Tyler, and Maurine Rowan of Tyler. She is survived by her parents, Kathryn and Matt Rowan, her sister, Caroline Grace Rowan, and her brother, Michael Thomas Rowan, all of Tyler; her grandparents, Ruth and Danny Nordyke of Tyler, and Margaret and Mike Rowan , Jr. of Tyler; her great-grandparents, Mike Rowan of Tyler, and Doris Elgin, also of Tyler; her aunts and uncles Andrea and Jon Rowan of Tyler and Lindsay and David Nordyke of Dallas; her cousins Piper and Landry Rowan of Tyler and Reese Nordyke of Dallas; her great aunts, Martha Stafford and Patty Machin, both of Tyler; and many extended family who all loved her greatly. Elizabeth was privileged to have the assistance of a wonderful team of doctors, nurses and health professionals that provided stellar care for her during her life. A special and heartfelt thanks to Dr. Rick Rogers, who was Elizabeth’s wise guide and unfailing champion. There is no one better as a person or a doctor. Our deepest gratitude to Rachel, Molly and Shirley with the Special Needs Clinic at Trinity Mother Frances Pediatric Clinic. You always provided excellent care mixed with a generous dose of love. We treasure you. Words of thanks are not enough for Dr. Juan Pascual of UT Southwestern Medical Center and Dr. Tim McCavit of Children’s Medical Center who both took on the unique challenge of Elizabeth’s conditions and used their voluminous talent and wisdom to seek a solution. They both were warriors for Elizabeth who also became dear friends. No one worked harder with Elizabeth and for her benefit than her beloved physical therapist, Bo Keeling. Bo worked miracles on a daily basis and has our deepest and most sincere thanks. A graveside service will be held to remember this beautiful and glorious life at Rose Hill Cemetery beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2014, under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home with Fred Smith officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Rowan, Dr. Mike Rowan, Jr., Danny Nordyke, Jon Rowan, David Nordyke, and Dr. Rick Rogers. Following the service, a visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Bethany Suite of Green Acres Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Children’s Miracle Network (through Trinity Mother Frances Health System), Children’s Medical Center of Dallas or to an organization of the donor’s choice.

Elizabeth Leigh Rowan

April 13, 2010 - February 19, 2014