Minnie Rowena Pointer (1923-2008) AN INSPIRING AND LOVELY LIFE Rowena Pointer, as everyone knew her, was a guiding spirit who accomplished much while facing many challenges in her life. She was born Minnie Rowena Manning in Ionia, Michigan on November 12, 1923. She was the sixth child born of John James Manning and Letta Sawyer Manning. Three children had preceded them expiring in infancy, leaving one older sister, Armintha and one older brother, James. Rowena grew up on the Manning farm in Hubbardston Township, and attended public school there. As a girl, she raised lambs for display at the Ionia County Fair, and was a member of the 4H Club. When she was eight years old, she was in a school bus accident that killed a small boy. She was thrown forward, receiving a concussion and fortunately survived. Her father died of a stroke in 1937, and in December, 1939, she, her brother James, and nephew Elwyne Larue Cotton survived an automobile accident that killed her mother and older sister. Rowena continued to live with her grandmother until she died the following year. When her brother, James was drafted into World War II, Rowena went to live with her uncle, Stanley Sawyer and his family in Blanchard, Michigan. She graduated from Rolland Township Rural Agricultural School, Blanchard, Michigan in June, 1942, and went to Grand Rapids, where she became a Certified Riveter for the American Aircraft Plant, in support of the War Effort. She later came to Detroit with her cousin, Donna Sawyer where the two of them roomed together and did production work at the Awrey Bakery until graduating from Business College. Rowena was then employed in a clerical position for the General Motors Parts Division for eight years. She was a follower of the Big Bands of the era, and attended many of their personal appearances at The Michigan Theater in Detroit. She was also a fan of movies that included Judy Garland and Carmen Miranda musicals as well as the classic dramas, THE CORN IS GREEN starring Bette Davis and MILDRED PEARCE, starring Joan Crawford. On November 28th, 1946, she married Raymond David Pointer, eldest son of William Ray Pointer and Alma Marie Cross-Pointer. Rowena and Raymond Pointer made their home in Detroit, and a year later they bought their first house on Detroit's west side. Being of a generous and gregarious nature, Rowena welcomed others into their home at various times, offering hospitality to her nieces, nephews, and her two sisters-in-law. After six years of marriage, she gave birth to Raymond David Pointer (II). Valuing her duties, she chose to be a "stay at home mother" for ten years, devoting her attention and guidance to her only child. Assuming the role of housewife, she effectively managed the household with wisdom and frugality, while maintaining a home that was clean and attractive. Rowena was the center of the Pointer household, which was always a source of warm and happy times for adults and children. She seemed to take pleasure in putting on many fine meals in the dining room, or staging birthday parties for children as well as adults""the most famous being the "surprise" party she gave Raymond on his 37th birthday, which featured a Hawaiian Baked Ham she had prepared. Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays were always a major event. Family and friends were always treated to her Waldorf and Star Mold salads, Pumpkin Pies, or her famous German Chocolate cake. Rowena was active in several community activities. She served on the Alter Guild at Berea Lutheran Church for many years, and was later a member of the choir at St. Andrew-Redeemer Lutheran Church. She made hot chocolate in the winter for the neighborhood Safety Patrol boys, and for four years, collected door-to-door donations for Jerry Lewis' Muscular Dystrophy Foundation. She was later appointed as the Collection Center Supervisor for Detroit's West side, and was recognized by Jerry Lewis as having been among the highest fundraisers in the city of Detroit. Rowena was a supporter of The Boys' Town Foundation, The Paralyzed Veterans of America, The American Cancer Society, The American Heart Association; and was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Women's Auxiliary. She was recognized for her charitable contributions towards Alzheimer's Research, which enabled Dr. Stanley B. Prusiner to win the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1997. While Rowena gave s much to others, she began her own battles with health problems 20 years ago beginning with heart valve replacement surgery followed by a series of digestive disorders. While the heart surgery was successful, she maintained the condition of "Congestive Heart Failure" the rest of her life, and had the use of only one lung. True to her spirit, she continued with determination to enjoy life in spite of these challenges. Throughout her life, Rowena had many interests. She took pride in her flower garden, with particular attention to roses. She was a rock collector, with a multi-state collection that was later incorporated into a fireplace in the basement of the Pointer home in Detroit. She played the piano and had an interest in music that included Classical, Popular, Broadway, and Rock and Roll. But most of all, her favorite radio program was Marian McPartland's PIANO JAZZ, which she listened to every Saturday. There was always a sense of song about her, and the one tune that that best summarizes her life of never ending optimism is WHISPERING HOPE. Rowena Pointer had an incredible life's journey that reached its destination on December 21st at 11:04 p.m. She is now home. She leaves her loving husband, Raymond, devoted son, Ray, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends to cherish this lovely life that touched so many others. Cremation has taken place and Memorial Services will be held January 3rd at 1 p.m. at the Northland United Methodist Church in Stanwood.