Mary Burdette Rowan Diamond, 96, of Ronceverte, WV, formerly of Scottsburg, IN, and Alderson, WV, passed away Friday, April 11, 2014, at The Brier Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Ronceverte following a short illness.
Born November 16, 1917, in Cairo, MO, she was the daughter of the late Ammen C. and Nancy Baker Burdette.
Mrs. Diamond was a homemaker, bookkeeper, and seamstress. During World War II, she worked at a Singer Sewing Machine store in Newport News, VA, where she obtained her first electric sewing machine. She graduated from high school in Monroe County, WV. Mrs. Diamond was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Ronceverte and was a former member of the Scottsburg United Methodist Church in Scottsburg and the Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church in Alderson, where she was a very active member and served on various church committees over the years.
Mrs. Diamond loved to quilt and loved sewing. She also enjoyed other arts and crafts, including crocheting, knitting, and pottery. Later in life, she enjoyed photography and taking pictures. Mrs. Diamond was well known for her ability to alter and repair clothing.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, James Gary Rowan; a brother, Robert Burdette; three sisters, Nancy Arbaugh, Joann Burdette McCarthy, and Margaret Burdette Rowan; two granddaughters, Stacy Lynn Freeman and Angelica Rowan Kimbler; a stepson, Jack Diamond; and stepdaughter, “Did” Estrada.
Survivors include a daughter, Ellen Rowan-Webb of Olathe, KS; two grandsons, Keith Michael Freeman and wife, Tobi, of Overland Park, KS, and John Gary Rowan of Nashville, TN; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren; and step-great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be conducted Monday, June 2, 2014, at 1 PM at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Ronceverte with Pastor Brian Baker officiating. Burial will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery in Sweet Springs, WV.
Friends may call Monday from 12-1 PM at the church in Ronceverte.
Lobban Funeral Home in Alderson is in charge of arrangements.
Obituary originally published in the Friday, May 30, edition of the West Virginia Daily News.
