Rowland
WAYCROSS — Melissa Ann Rowland, 59, ran into the loving arms of Jesus on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
To know Mrs. Rowland was to know a woman with an extraordin ary heart. She loved deeply, cared endlessly, and gave freely of herself to the people around her. She had a rare gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved.
She was the person who checked on you, listened to you, prayed for you, worried about you, and showed up when you needed her. She did not simply care about people. Caring for people was woven into the very fabric of who she was.
Born and raised in Waycross, Mrs. Rowland remained deeply connected to the community she called home. She was a proud member of the Waycross High School Class of 1985 and treasured the friendships, memories, and relationships she made throughout her life. Waycross was more than the place where she grew up, it was home, and the people she loved there remained an important part of her story.
But above all else, Mrs. Rowland was a devoted mother. Her two sons, Brandon and Zach, were her greatest joys and her “wonderful gifts from God.” They were the center of her heart. She was fiercely proud of them and never stopped worrying about them, praying for them, encouraging them, and wanting the very best for them. No matter how old they became or where life took them, they would always be her boys.
Mrs. Rowland is survived by her beloved children, Brandon Rowland (Mary Allison) and Zach Rowland; her parents, Jane Gillis (Billy) and Richard McGee (Jill); her sisters, Debbie McGee and Cindy Hitt (David); her brother, Wayne McGee; her cherished nieces and nephews, Patrick Hitt, Sara Hitt, and Chandler McGee; and her extended family, Devon Yarbrough (Stacey), Austin Yarbrough, and Dawson Yarbrough.
Family was at the very center of Mrs. Rowland’s heart. She cherished the people she was blessed to call her own and found immeasurable joy in loving, supporting, and simply being there for them. She celebrated their successes, carried their burdens, and made sure they always knew they were loved. Her family was her greatest treasure, and the love she gave them will remain a part of them forever.
She also leaves behind countless friends whose lives were forever touched by her kindness, generosity, friendship, and unconditional love. Among those special friends were Kay Tatum, Tonya Hendricks, and Diane Jordan, whose friendship meant so much and brought her comfort, laughter, companionship, and joy throughout her life.
Mrs. Rowland was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael Rowland, with whom she shared nearly 30 years of marriage. Their life together was filled with love, family, laughter, memories, and the ordinary moments that, over a lifetime, become extraordinary. Mr. Rowland remained a deeply loved part of Missy’s story, and she carried his memory and the love they shared in her heart throughout the years. She was also preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents and her special friend, Dr. Cleveland Thompson.
Mrs. Rowland was a woman of deep faith and a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Waycross. Her faith was not simply something she believed, it was something she lived. She volunteered frequently at the church and found genuine joy in serving others, even when her own health made it difficult to stay all day.
Whenever she was able, she showed up, determined to give whatever time and strength she had. She especially loved serving as a member of the Hospitality Committee, a role that brought her tremendous joy. Mrs. Rowland loved welcoming people, making them feel comfortable, and creating a place where everyone felt they belonged. She never served for recognition or praise. She served because she loved people.
That same spirit of service defined her professional life. Mrs. Rowland retired from the South Georgia Regional Commission, where she served as Director of Transportation. But retirement did not diminish her desire to care for others.
She went on to build South Georgia Home Health Services from the ground up, creating a company rooted in the compassion, dignity, and care that always had defined her. For Mrs. Rowland, caring for others was never simply a profession, it was her calling, her purpose, and one of the greatest ways she shared her heart with the world.
For those who loved her, Mrs. Rowland was more than a mother, daughter, sister, aunt, wife, or friend — she was home.
Until we meet again ... A Celebration of Life was held September 1 at First Baptist Church. Burial followed in Oakland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made in her honor to First Baptist Church, 702 Elizabeth Street, Waycross, 31501.
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