Donna Katherine Rowland

Donna Katherine Rowland died on March 28, 2026 in McAllen, Texas. She was born on January 30, 1938 to Laura and Thomas H. Bourdon near Baltimore, Maryland and grew up in McKenney, Virginia. She graduated from Radford College in 1959 where she participated in the Choral Club, Concert Dance Club, Westminster Fellowship, YWCA, and the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority. She was chased by many suitors, but a young military man from Texas grabbed her heart while working at Fort Lee in Petersburg, Virginia. They courted for a brief time before an engagement ring arrived in the mail from Jim Rowland in San Antonio. They married on the afternoon of her college graduation day. “MyDonna” was Jim’s endearing name for her from that day forward. Their time together lasted almost 65 years as they resided in Houston, Seattle, back in San Antonio, and finally in McAllen where they settled in 1966. She raised three sons, plus her husband, with much grace, persistence, and love. Donna found great solace and hope at First Baptist Church and cherished the lifelong friends she met there. Her joy in the Lord thrived in a community where her gifts of service, faith, and encouragement were evidenced daily. She especially loved singing praise in the church choir and participating without fail in the Christmas and Easter pageants. She hosted countless lunch and dinner gatherings, taught Sunday School, and encouraged her church family in times of need. Her smile could light up a room. Her laughter was a delight. She reflected God’s love when she served and sang. In 1977, Donna began an extremely successful career as a realtor and the co-owner of Homefinders Realty. She mastered the art of selling homes in McAllen to clients who often became friends and repeat clients. She never met a stranger and was active in real estate until she turned 80. When driving around McAllen, it was routine to see her point and say, “I sold that house twice and that house three times!” Donna played tennis all her life with a regular set of good friends, but she spent more time fishing with her family when she bested most of them during their many trips on the bay in Port Mansfield. Even during fishing trips, she never stopped cleaning or cooking. Her comfort foods, like southern fried fish, were top notch. At mealtime, no one ever asked, “Where are the carbs?” Her passion for her grandchildren was strong. She spent years caring for each of them when they were young. She spoiled Jim throughout his life and had a deep, painful void in her life after his death in 2023. She stayed in her home until the last year of her life when she moved to Avalon Memory Care where the staff loved her like their own. Donna is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Harry Dee (Kathy) Baird, and their children; sons and their wives, Scott (Kathleen) Rowland, John (Vivian) Rowland, David (Ann) Rowland; her grandchildren and their spouses, Bryan (Melyssa) Rowland, Kelsey (Bryan) Cranford, Taylor (Nathan) Pullen, Trevor Rowland, Tabitha Rowland; and great grandchildren Kenzie Rowland-Cranford, Vyannhe Cranford, Kyle Rowland, and Kayce Rowland. Donna will be forever missed by her family but always remembered by those who knew her and the love she shared. A celebration of life service is scheduled for Friday, April 10, 2026 at 4pm at First Baptist Church, 1200 Beech, McAllen. If you have a personal story or tribute you wish to share about Donna, an opportunity will be available during the service. Donna will be inurned with her husband at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission, Texas.

Tributes

Donna Katherine Rowland

March 28, 2026