Esteen Campbell Stowe
Esteen Campbell Stowe, 90, of Holly Springs, North Carolina, passed away on October 20, 2024 surrounded by her loved ones.
Esteen was born on August 22, 1934 in Rockbridge County, Virginia to the late Charles and Viola Campbell. She was the first daughter in a family of six older brothers and later a younger sister.
She attended Schoolfield High School and worked as a telephone switchboard operator for several years following graduation. In 1955, she married the love of her life, Calvin McKinley Stowe.
When Calvin and Esteen were dating, he was building a new house north of the city in Danville, Virginia. As the story goes, by way of marriage proposal, Calvin asked Esteen to choose the color of the paint and tiles in the house. That house would become their home for more than 50 years-together, they filled it with family, love, laughter, and many happy memories.
Calvin and Esteen had three children, Edward McKinley Stowe (Suzanne), Gwen Stowe Adams (Robert), and Rosalind Stowe Manning (Bruce). She is preceded in death by her son Eddie, parents Charles and Viola Campbell, and brothers Lawrence, Charles, Rudy, Alvin, Cecil, and Gene. Esteen is survived by her sister Peggy Yates.
Esteen’s grandchildren include Emily Adams Penny (Matt), Roxanne Stowe Soto (Michael), Barbara Adams Krolak (Ryan), Marshall McKinley Stowe (Emma), Thomas Chandler Adams (Bastien), Marlena Stowe Coats (Marquez), Parker Stowe Manning, Courtland Major Stowe (Elizabeth), Reagan Manning Ruska (Clarke), Gabrielle Stowe Ferlauto (Harrison), and Shoshana Stowe Boswell (Brett), as well as great-grandchildren Eva Penny, Natalie Penny, Caleb Penny, Aidan Stowe, Owen Krolak, Caroline Krolak, Dorian Stowe, and Brooklyn Coats.
Esteen was the heartbeat of the home and of her family. She was a devoted homemaker and took great pride in her role as wife and mother, and later as a grandmother. She was incredibly kind, patient, and soft-spoken. An introvert at heart, Esteen was most happy at home with her family.
She was a talented cook and baker and could most often be found in the kitchen. From a classic Sunday evening pot roast and mashed potatoes, to her famous cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning, everyone loved Esteen’s cooking.
Esteen enjoyed spending afternoons in the backyard tending to her flower garden, which was the backdrop for her and Calvin’s many family backyard cookouts over the years. Esteen made every event special and she relished hosting family gatherings with her children and grandchildren.
Esteen was a member of Emmanuel Pentecostal Holiness Church in Dry Fork and participated in the Women’s Auxiliary Group and other church activities.
Esteen and Calvin enjoyed traveling in their later years, including trips to Hawaii, Chile, and England. In 2005, they moved to Cary, North Carolina, to be closer to their daughters.
In her final years, Esteen was diagnosed with dementia. Even when her memory faded, Esteen never lost her Southern manners as she always welcomed others wither sweet smile and a friendly greeting.
Esteen’s legacy lives on through her family that she nurtured and cared for-from her recipes that continue to be cooked, to the family traditions that she created and carried on.
Her love is woven into every new generation of her family and through these words: “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family” (Mother Teresa)
A small graveside service for Esteen’s loved ones will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 3:00pm at Emmanuel Pentecostal Holiness Church with Pastor Roger Collins officiating.
Norris Funeral Services, Inc. & Crematory, Mt. Hermon Chapel, Danville, VA is respectfully serving the Stowe family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.
