Dr. Eunice Amerson Rowell

Dr. Eunice Amerson Rowell, 88, of Greenwood, SC, passed away Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Hospice House of the Piedmont, surrounded by her two loving daughters. Born on October 3, 1936, in Lamar, SC, she was the daughter of the late Sligh and Bertha Amerson. Her caring and devoted husband of 66 years, Gary Carlisle Rowell, preceded her death. Surviving are her two daughters: Debbie Rowell Sturman (John Sturman) of Clemson, SC, and Charlotte Rowell Murray (John Murray) of Ninety Six, SC; two grandsons, Samuel John Sturman of Greenville, SC, and John Parker Murray (Laura) of Ninety Six, SC, and three great-grandchildren, Skye (5), Hazel (3), and Atlas (1).

Eunice graduated from Lamar High School, after which she enrolled at Spartanburg Methodist College and graduated with a BA in Business Education. After the birth of their two daughters, Eunice enrolled at Lander University and graduated with a BS in Accounting the same year their oldest daughter, Debbie, graduated from high school. She continued her education at Winthrop University and graduated two years later with a Master's Degree in Business Administration, the same year her daughter Charlotte graduated from high school.

She taught at Piedmont Technical College for 21 years. During her tenure at PTC, she received the honor of Teacher of the Year five times. She later began working on her Doctorate and graduated with honors from Nova University. Upon retirement from Piedmont Technical College, Eunice started teaching college-level courses at the South Carolina Department of Corrections in Greenwood; while teaching at the prison, she was asked to develop a program wherein the inmates would take classes to prepare for jobs outside the prison. From that point onward, Eunice spearheaded the Braille program, where inmates learned and brailled textbooks for blind students throughout South Carolina, which was much more efficient in serving the needs of blind children. Later, the NC State Prison System in Laurinburg, NC, recruited Eunice to start a similar Braille program in their men's prison. She built this program from the ground up, which continued successfully after she left.

In 1981, Delta Kappa Gamma, an international professional society of women educators, invited Eunice to join, which she graciously accepted. She served in leadership positions at all levels, including vice president and president at the local and state levels and committee chairman at the international level. Her last international position was as chairman of International Finance.

Eunice served as a Greenwood County Board of Education member and chairman for two years.

While Eunice's professional accomplishments and community involvement are impressive, she always prioritized her family. She and her husband Gary were dedicated parents to their children and grandchildren who brought immeasurable joy. They followed their daughters from junior high school through college, watching them twirl their batons at half-time. They also cheered on their two grandsons: Sam, who played football at Christ Church Episcopal School in Greenville, SC, and Parker, who played at Ninety Six High School, Ninety Six, SC, and Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, NC. In addition, Gary and Eunice enjoyed Square Dancing with the Merry Mixers Square Dance Club in Greenwood for 21 years and were members of the Mall Walkers for years.

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m at Blyth Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Blyth Funeral Home. The graveside ceremony will follow at Oakbrook Memorial Park on Highway 25 North.

Memorials can be made to Delta Kappa Gamma, in the care of Amanda Cruse, DKG State Treasurer, Post Office Box 1837, Lexington, SC 29072.

Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting Mrs. Rowell's family with arrangements.