Rowena Conner Hendrix

April 22, 1921 - December 9, 2023

Ivy Rowena Conner Hendrix was born April 22, 1921, in Doucette, Texas to Alice Hanks Conner and Willie Bryan Conner.  She peacefully passed away, at age 102, on December 9, 2023, at Harbor Hospice.

She graduated from Kirby High School in Woodville, Texas in 1939 and married Henry Clay Hendrix that same year.  They moved to Beaumont, Texas where they raised three children, Bryan, Sharon, and Sandy.

Rowena was employed by Bethlehem Steel for many years, first in the accounting department and later as supervisor over communications.  She was known as “Mama” throughout many departments, not only as an affectionate nickname but also because she ran the comings and goings of Bethlehem front office.  She knew everyone’s name, rank, and serial number and what their business might be with Bethlehem Steel.  She was also an active member of the ABESCO Social club, holding numerous offices over the years.  She retired from Bethlehem with over thirty years of service.  Never being one to sit idle, she worked at numerous small local boutiques and businesses after retirement.

Rowena was very active in the community.  She was a lifelong member of Wesley Methodist Church (originally North End Methodist) and active in area women’s business clubs.  In addition to her own interests, she was supportive of her husband’s community involvement in BISD and other organizations.  She was a consummate hostess for friends, family gatherings and holidays.

Survivors include her two daughters, Sharon Thomas and husband, John, and Sandy Walker and husband, Scott; four grandchildren, Lauren Blum, Dabney Davis, Marra Gunnells, and Jason Thomas; five great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her former husband, Henry Hendrix; her beloved brother, Bill Conner; and her son, Bryan Hendrix.

The family would like to thank all the staff of Focused Care at Summer Place for their many years of attentive and vigilant care, Dr. Msonthi Levine for his expert care and a special thank you to Dr. Gwendolyn Lavalais and all the staff at Harbor Hospice for their compassionate care in mother’s last days.  We would also like to thank the prayer group at Wesley Methodist Church who sent prayers and healing messages throughout mother’s last years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Ms. Hendrix may be made an organization of your choice.

A graveside service for Ms. Hendrix will be 11:00 a.m., Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Colmesneil Cemetery, 704 E. Elder Street, Colmesneil, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.

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Graveside Service

Colmesneil Cemetery
  • 704, East Elder Street, Colmesneil, Texas, 75938,
  • December 17, 2023
  • 11:00 am

Comments (6)

    Sue Philp says:

    I have been out of town a lot during the holidays and just sitting down and checking things on my computer. Sharon and Sandy I’m so sorry to read Rowena died. Remember when we had the Kitchen Shop at the Green Beanery and we would have so much fun with her. Prayers are with both families. Love Sue

    David Desormeaux says:

    Rowena was a wonderful lady and I loved her very much. I knew her for many years at Bethlehem Steel shipyard in Beaumont, Texas. She was just fun and always knew what was going on and had a great personality. She was the head of our very large ABESCO recreation club where we enjoyed many great events outside of work. Really did enjoy talking to her at the Bethlehem telephone switchboard almost every day as I left work and It made my day. So happy that she was able to enjoy so many years of life and she really deserved it. RIP Rowena from your friend David.

    Robert O (R. O.) Williams Jr says:

    I am saddened to learn of Rowena’s passing, but oh what a beautiful life she lived…our friendship goes back so many years and will always remember her usual upbeat view of life….buttt, regardless of age or condition of health, we are never ready to say BYE to those we love….love and blessings are sent you this day with true empathy of knowing the sad path you are treading at this time.
    R. O. Williams,Jr.
    Austin, Texas

    Sherry McCarble Garrett says:

    I want to extend my condolences in the passing of Ms. Rowena. She was my neighbor for soooo many years and I actually was at Focused Care singing Christmas carols last year with my Hospice company and went into her room and sang to her. She will be greatly missed!

    Jerome L Wells says:

    My sincere sympathy, Sharon and Sandy.

    Fond memories of the past with both of you and Rowena.

    With love,
    Jerome

    Missie Landry says:

    Deepest condolences to Sharon & the rest of the family for sweet Mrs. Rowena from her church family @ Wesley Methodist Church.

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