Mrs. Mary Lou Rowland was born on June 16, 1928 in Millerville, Alabama to the parentage of George A. Simmons and Vernon Wilson. She departed her life on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 in Port Washington, New York.
“Momma” received her education in Clay County, Alabama at an early age. She also attended school in New Hyde Park, New York for IBM Keypunch. She later went on to gain employment with North Shore University Hospital in Great Neck, NY, in 1977 where she retired from after gaining over 20 years of employment.
“Momma” was a faithful and loved member of First Baptist Church in Great Neck, NY from the time she moved to New York. Where she was an honorary member of the Usher Board. She loved God and never mind letting anyone know that her strength came from the Lord and to always keep faith in God. She loved to travel home every year to Alabama where she could spend time her family especially her Dewey (Patty). Where she gained nothing but love in return. She traveled until her health prohibited where she could no longer travel, but would always talk about visiting her loving brother once again.
She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to many. Most called her Momma whether they were related or not. Her love was contagious and she never mind sharing it. She had great love for her kids and held them dear to her heart.
She was preceded in death by her father, George A. Simmons, mother, Vernon Wilson, grandmother, Roxy
(Dave) Wilson, grandmother, Lisa Ann (Nan) Simmons, Husband, OC Rowland, son, Donald Rowland, sisters, Lucille Maxwell, Francis Sheeley, Gladys Simmons, and Lois Simmons, brothers, Thomas (TJ) Simmons, Ed Simmons, Willie J. Simmons, and John Edward Simmons, granddaughter, Annette Nixon,
She leaves to cherish her memories two sons, George (Barbara) Simmons of Bayside, NY; Anthony (Terry) Rowland of Great Neck, NY; one daughter, Mary (Henry) Spruill of Columbia, NC; three brothers, Dewey (Patty) Simmons and Robert (Linda) Simmons both of Millerville, AL; John Wesley (Jo Catherine) Simmons of Goodwater, AL; three sisters, Laura (Lewis) Kelly of Goodwater, AL; Emma (Johnny) Zachery of Millerville, AL; Lillie (Henry) Alexander of Cleveland, OH; grandchildren, Rache Arrington, Shawn Spruill, Cecilia Simmons, Katrina Evans, and Dahnyce Rowland all of New York; Kenneth Spruill, Eric Spruill, Don Don Spruill, Tranessa Spruille all of North Carolina; Kayla Rowland and Justine Rowland of California; Terry Simmons of Virginia; Timothy Simmons of Michigan; Anthony Wallace of Georgia; Timothy Billingsley of Alabama; a host of great grand, great great grand, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. A special life long friend, Minnie Morgan.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Mary Lou (Momma) Rowland, please visit our floral store.