There was no one quite like Dr. Donald Rowe and his ever faithful wife, Helene Rowe...that's Uncle Donnie and Aunt Helene to my brother Chuck, sister Sonja and I. There was no shared DNA but our relationship was just as strong and most enduring since 1961 when they first came into our lives. I was 13 years of age when the Rowes were introduced to our family by our blood uncle, Rev. Gerald and Ellen Keele who were longtime missionaries in Haiti and Trinidad. Immediately the love between them and my family was evident and would serve as a special relationship for these many years.
At age 17 when our family was broken up due to my mother's/father's relationship, Aunt Helene and Uncle Donnie stepped in to give me guidance in where to attend college, setting up the financial means that made it possible for me to attend Lee College where Dr. Rowe was a professor. They were the force that brought my mother, brother and sister to Cleveland, TN where my siblings still reside (our mother is deceased). I sought out their advice on life decisions until my wedding in 1970, and Uncle Donnie "gave me away" in the absence of my father. Birthdays and all manner of special occasions were spent with the Rowes. After their retirement and move to Lakeland there were the trips back and forth (their trips to Cleveland and our trips to see them in Lakeland) as they were more important in our lives than blood relatives rarely seen who lived in California. Their legacy is a part of my life and in a sense, a major contributor to who I have become...my life, ministry and career.
Aunt Helene was the most beautiful woman in every way. Her love and wisdom came from the depth of her heart. She was always so positive and just a joy to be around. She had the most beautiful laughter which sounded like tiny melodious and dancing bells. She was also a prayer warrior and heaven will only tell how many times she and Uncle Donnie prayed for us, many times over long-distance phone calls. Uncle Donnie's pet name for her was 'gorgeous' and how fitting was that name! Chuck, Sonja and I feel the loss as they were always faithfully "there for us," but they are now enjoying their reunion in the Celestial City of God. Our next visit with them will be inside the pearly gates as we join with them in the presence of God Almighty.
Dr. Harold & Mrs. Sondra (Slater) Hunter
Oklahoma City, Okla.
