Caroline B. Rowe

Caroline B. Rowe passed away peacefully at her home in Knoxville on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Caroline was born in Knoxville, Tennessee to Willie (Bayless) and Grace Christopher Bailey. She graduated from Knoxville’s Central High School where she met her future husband, Cecil Rowe. Both Caroline and Cecil graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1952, and married soon after. Caroline and Cecil had five children. Tim and Cecilia were born during Cecil’s service in the United States Air Force. Upon his completion of duty with the Air Force, they moved to Memphis, Tennessee where Caroline taught elementary school while Cecil attended the University of Tennessee School of Medicine. Lynda, Tom and Elizabeth were born during their time in Jefferson City, Sevierville and finally Knoxville where they lived for the remaining years of their lives. Caroline was a wonderful and supportive wife to Cecil and they had many dear friends whom they loved to entertain. She was a loving mother to her children, making each one feel special and loved, and a fun-loving grandmother to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her entire family adored her and appreciated her always present sense of humor. Caroline was a member of Church Street United Methodist Church in the Pathfinders Sunday School Class in Knoxville for over 50 years. She gave her time to her church and to several local service organizations, including her time on the board of the Historic Ramsey House. Caroline was preceded in death by her mother and father; her husband Cecil who passed away in 2024; her daughter Lynda Rowe Faulkner, who passed away in December 2023; and her brother Jack Bailey and her sister Barbara Crutchfield. She leaves behind sons Tim Rowe (Emily) and Tom Rowe; daughters Cecilia Dykes (Bob) and Elizabeth Naab (Don); son-in-law Mike Faulkner and his daughter KesLee Chessor (Eric) and their children Hayes and Baker; grandchildren Craig Rowe (Jen), Mallory Sunderland (Chad), Haley Heath, Andrew Jones (Kayla Boyles), Rachel Dykes, Austin Naab and Hollin Naab; as well as great grandchildren Bethany Rowe, Samantha Rowe, Lincoln Sunderland, and Lawson Sunderland. A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 24 at 12:00 noon at Woodlawn Cemetery, Reverends Jan Buxton Wade and Catherine Nance officiating. No visitation is planned. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Church Street United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1303, Knoxville, TN 37901, www.churchstreetumc.org (https://www.churchstreetumc.org/). Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com.

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Caroline B. Rowe

May 18, 2025