BLACKSHEAR — Mrs. Shirley Kirkland Rowell, 82, passed away Monday, May 26, 2026, at her residence in Blackshear following an extended illness.
She was born in Coffee County in 1943 to the late TJ and Arleene Kirkland. She was a 1961 graduate o f Nicholls High School, where she played basketball all four years. She went on to marry James Clinton Rowell, Jr. of Ware County in 1964, to whom she was happily married for 45 years until his passing in 2010.
A steadfast member of the Baptist faith, Mrs. Rowell attended Jamestown Baptist Church where she enjoyed serving as the children’s Sunday School teacher for many years. She was a devoted wife, mother, sibling, and friend, who loved spending her summers at the beach throughout the years.
Mrs. Rowell was an entrepreneur by trade, owning several businesses throughout her life, including The Waycross Christian Bookstore, The Fashion Shop, and co-owning Dad & Lad Shop with her husband. Following retirement, Mrs. Rowell spent her days baking, gardening, playing basketball with her grandchildren, and studying her Bible. She took great pride in her faith and family, always aiming to donate as much time as possible to each.
In addition to her parents, she also was preceded in death by her husband, James C. Rowell Jr; son, Derin Rowell; siblings, Franklin Kirkland, Elton Kirkland, and Lanet “Net” Anderson.
She is survived by three children, James Scott Rowell (Lora), Shannon O’Steen (Rickey), and Beverly Inman (Billy); nine grandchildren, Caitlin Rowell, Jarrett Rowell, Blake James (Bailey), Will Inman, Constance Hand (David), Bryce O’Steen (Courtney), Travis O’Steen (Destany), Candace Sowell (Jordan), and April Osteen; two sisters, Glenda Clark (Richard) and Grace Taylor (Gene); and many great grandchildren.
A funeral service was held May 29 at Music Funeral Home. Burial followed in Waters Cemetery.
