Our mother was born on August 14, 1932, to the late Grant G. Sr. and Gertrude Talbott. She accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized in May of 1950 at Fourth Street Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful, committed member for over 70 years. Her ministries were, president of the usher board, Sunday School secretary, co-founder of Senior Day, church hospital liaison, choir member, and she was also in the culinary department.
She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Whether she answered to “Grandmama,” “Grandmother,” or “Grammy” all loved her wisdom, sensibility and her love, which was beyond measure. She loved her family; she and dad would travel to many destinations in support of the family. As a caregiver, many experienced her love, her baked spaghetti and pound cakes. As a friend, she was always there.
She graduated from Western High School in 1950 and attended Paducah Beauty School in Paducah, Ky. She was employed by Kentucky Electronics and was the supervisor, manager, and co-owner of Man-A-Night Cleaning Service for over 25 years.
She loved to offer her services to others. As a volunteer, Josephine was committed to serving the community for organizations such as the H.L. Neblett Community Center, Habitat for Humanity, and RiverPark Center. Her dedication extended over many decades. As a board member of Habitat, she received the key to the city for her loyalty and commitment to Habitat. For her outstanding and dedicated service to the H.L. Neblett Community Center, she received the Recognition and Appreciation Award. She served on the H.L. Neblett Council for many years. She was a Kentucky Colonel, and she also was the recipient of the Human Relation Commission Award for unselfish devotion to human needs and their development.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Harold A. Rowan, her parents, three brothers-Grant, Jr., William (Big Boy), and John; five sisters- Ethel, Mae, Gloria, Maxine, and Creasie; and her great-granddaughter-Nevaeh Floyd.
She is survived by her six children, Valerie LaVerne Morton of Lexington, Ky; Olga Marilyn McKissic of Owensboro, Stephanie Renee (Wayne) Wimsatt of Greencastle, Ind.; Verne Augustus (Cathy) Rowan of Louisville, Ky; Jeanette Cristi (Marc) Rowan Jones of Bowling Green, Ky; John Edward (Rico) Rowan of St. Augustine, Fl; special daughter, Pamela Smith-Wright of Owensboro; one sister, Sallene Lockett of St. Louis, Mo.; 8 grandchildren: Lawrence Winstead Jr., Courtney Winstead, Anthony Floyd, Leslie (Josh) Catlett, Angela Floyd, Harrison Morton, Erin Rowan, and Alexander (Avery) McKissic. 11 great-grandchildren: Terryn, Devon, Thomas, Josephine, Nolan, Austin, Leilani, Adonis, Nehamiah, Rowan, and Shiloh. Four great-great grandchildren: Josiah, Italy, Elijah, and Dioni and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A special thanks to Sandra Jackson for her attentive care of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. We love you for all you did for her.
The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, at Fourth Street Baptist Church, Owensboro. Entombment will be in Owensboro Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, 2023, at Fourth Street Baptist Church and again from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at the church.
McFarland Funeral Home is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Rowan.
Please leave memories and messages of condolence at www.mcfarlandfh.com.
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