Dorothy K. Nowlin

In Loving Memory of Dorothy K. Nowlin
July 4, 1932 – September 24, 2025

Dorothy K. Nowlin, our family’s steady light, gentle counselor, and faithful prayer warrior, passed peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at her home in Columbia, Missouri, surrounded by family. She was 93.

Born on Independence Day in Harris, Missouri, to Cecil and Irene Jones, Dorothy’s life was a testament to the freedom that comes from faith, service, and steadfast love. A proud graduate of Newtown High School in 1950. She later continued her education at Northeast Missouri State University to achieve her undergrad and master’s degrees and answered a calling to teach. She nurtured minds and hearts, meeting students where they were, expecting their best, and cheering them on with equal parts patience and purpose.

Dorothy’s life was anchored in Christian faith. She was active in church and lived the lessons she loved: to “do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” She was also a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star and embodied that charge, quietly serving, generously giving, and always leading by example.

Dorothy married Edison W. Nowlin, the love of her life, on May 22, 1955, and together they built a home filled with hospitality, laughter, and more hugs than anyone could count. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Some of our most cherished moments with her are simple ones: big family dinners where everyone had a seat and a story; cheering at ballgames wrapped in blankets and pride; road trips to Branson to spend time at Treasure Lake; slow summer afternoons at the lake; tailgating at Mizzou games; and holiday tables where Dorothy made sure every plate, and every heart, was full. She taught us to pray first, to forgive quickly, to work hard, and to love without end.

She is survived by her beloved husband Edison W. Nowlin of Columbia, Missouri; sister Betty Smith of Alamo, Texas; children Debbie (Mike) Parnell of Columbia, Missouri, Steve (Terri) Nowlin of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and Keri (Scott) Tipton of Columbia, Missouri; grandchildren Erin (Jessie) Zuber, Adam (Becky) Nowlin, Stephanie (Frank) Pizzuti, Brandon (Katie) Coin, Derek Parnell, Abby (Austin) Winebrenner, Courtney (Zach) Hodapp, and Aden Tipton; and nine treasured great-grandchildren.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Irene Jones, and other dear loved ones who welcomed her Home.

Memorial Service
A Memorial Service honoring Dorothy will be held Sunday, October 12, at 1:30 p.m. at Newtown Christian Church, Newtown, Missouri.

Memorials
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Newtown Cemetery, P.O. Box 1, Newtown, MO 64667, given in Dorothy’s memory. Your gift of kindness will continue her legacy of faith, service, and love.

If you still wish to send flowers to the family in memory of Dorothy K. Nowlin, please arrange delivery through Country Wood Hearts & Lace, located at 707 Grant Street, Princeton, MO. Phone: 660-748-3205.

Our hearts echo the prayer of Ephesians 3:16-19, trusting that “out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” Dorothy’s own life reflected this promise, rooted and established in love; she helped us glimpse “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,” a love that surpasses knowledge and fills us “to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

Dorothy lived a life faithful to God and devoted to her family. We take comfort in the assurance that she has finished her race and kept the faith, and that we will see her again. Until then, we will honor her by loving one another well, just as she taught us.