Nancy Marye Lefholz Rowell

Nancy Marye Lefholz Rowell, 87, was born to Stella and Rothwell Lefholz on Nov. 17, 1927, in Coral Gables, Fla. Nancy graduated from Ponce de Leon High School. She attended Florida State College for Women, University of Missouri, and then graduated from the University of Miami. While at Florida State, Nancy became a member of Pi Beta Phi.

After graduation, Nancy moved to Jacksonville, Fla., where she was one of the first ambassadors at the newly opened Florida Welcome Center. It was during this time that Nancy met the love of her life, Rex. They married in 1951. During their first years of marriage, she proudly enjoyed Rex's years of military service in the Navy, being stationed in Virginia Beach and Jacksonville. She also supported his career there in the automobile business as well as when they moved to Panama City in 1965. Her work as an educator gave her great satisfaction, especially while teaching at Shaw Adult Center in the 1970s and 80s.

Nancy took special pride in her many years of volunteerism, particularly with the Junior League of Jacksonville and local organizations including the Panama City Woman's Club, First Presbyterian Women of the Church and the St. Andrew Bay Yacht Club Flying Scot Midwinter Regattas.

Nancy passed away on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, 2014. She will always be remembered for her generous nature, her hospitality and her infectious sense of humor. Nancy's compassion for the needy and her love of animals was evident to all who knew her.

Nancy is survived by her children, daughter, Susan R. Cook of Navarre; son, Roth Rowell (Cylle) of Panama City; and daughter, Nan Mann (Gary) of Longwood. She was the proud grandmother of Stephanie Rivera, Katie Rowell, Tricia Wise, Hunter Rowell and Lee Mann, and six great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m. Sunday prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be directed to the Emerald Coast Golden Retriever Rescue Inc., 1711 Missouri Avenue, Lynn Haven, FL 32444, or to Emerald Coast Hospice. The family expresses sincere gratitude to longtime family physician, Dr. Sidney A. Daffin, III. In addition, the family wishes to thank Emerald Coast Hospice and caregivers: Maureen, Hilary, Melanie, Lettie, and Lydia.

Wilson Funeral Home
Family Owned Since 1911
214 Airport Road
Panama City, Fla.
850-785-5272