Carolyn Rowland

1943 - 2022

Carolyn Rowland
December 25, 1943 - March 16, 2022
Fort Mill, South Carolina - Frances Carolyn Patterson Rowland, 78, passed away March 16, 2022. The adored wife of David Rowland and beloved daughter of Henry Lee and Mary Harkey Patterson, she was born on December 25, 1943. Carolyn's Christmas day birthday was appropriate because she was an angel to everyone who knew her. Her kindness and compassion were evident in everything she did. Her life's priorities followed God's plan: Love the Lord, love your family and serve your church and community, which she did throughout her lifetime.
The youngest of five children, Carolyn was extraordinarily close to her siblings. From a very young age, she understood the importance of family, and throughout her life, she made it a priority to maintain and cherish these relationships. Carolyn was the daughter who selflessly cared for her elderly mother, the sister who was also a best friend, and the aunt who never forgot a birthday. She was the unofficial family historian and was able to keep all of her loved ones connected with each other.
A native of Fort Mill, Carolyn spent virtually her entire life in the town she loved. She graduated from Fort Mill High School in 1962 and then received her Bachelor's degree from Winthrop College. Later Carolyn would earn two Master's degrees; one in Christian Education from Emory University and another in Special Education from Winthrop. She also attended Gallaudet University for the deaf, was fluent in sign language, and was instrumental in implanting closed captioning for local television stations.
With her selfless demeanor and servant's heart, Carolyn found her calling as a counselor for vocational rehabilitation. She spent her career using her talents to help others become the best versions of themselves. She retired in 2000, after 30 years with the state. Carolyn continued to serve the residents of South Carolina through various volunteer endeavors, including coordinating blood drives for the American Red Cross and an active member of The Fort Mill Garden Club.
In 1988 Carolyn married the love of her life, David Rowland. They spent 34 years together and enjoyed a marriage of adventure and dedication. The two traveled extensively and crisscrossed the country several times. Carolyn visited all 50 states, and the couple particularly enjoyed driving to Alaska and back. Retirement allowed Carolyn and David to devoted even more hours to St. John's United Methodist Church. They were very involved in the church's music, education, and leadership.
In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her sister, Betty P. Ervin; brothers Henry and Sam Patterson; and son-in-law Todd Carrouth.
She is survived by her husband, David Rowland; brother James Patterson (Kay); bonus daughters, Marginia Feazell (Frank) and René Carrouth Minton (Mark); grandsons, Dustin and Josh Feazell; granddaughters, Kayla Carrouth and Hannah Whitaker (Cody); and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that were lucky enough to know such a magnificient and beloved lady. The world is a better place because of Carolyn Rowland. She will be dearly missed by all.
Memorials may be made to St. John's United Methodist Church, 130 Tom Hall St., Fort Mill, SC 29715.
The memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at St. John's United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Karen Radcliffe officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the Fellowship Center.