Mrs. Mary Jo Rowell

Mrs. Mary Jo Little Rowell of 1902 Roney Street, Americus, Georgia, died Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Willson Hospice House in Albany, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Lebanon Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia. The burial will follow at Staley Memorial Garden in Americus, Georgia.

Mrs. Mary Jo Little Rowell, a devoted mother, cherished sister, faithful servant of God, and beloved member of the Americus community, transitioned peacefully to her eternal home on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Born on July 2, 1943, she was the fourth child of the late James and Odessa Myrick Little of rural Sumter County, Georgia. Her family affectionately called her “Doll,” a name inspired by her sweet nature and adorable childhood presence.

Raised on a working farm, Mary Jo learned early the values of hard work, responsibility, and caring for others. She excelled in many skills, especially cooking and nurturing those around her-gifts she carried throughout her life. Her spiritual foundation was laid at Bethlehem Baptist Church, where she joined at the age of six under Rev. J. D. Hillsman and remained a faithful, contributing member for more than 77 years.

Mary Jo’s professional journey reflected her dedication and strong work ethic. She began in retail at Leonard’s on the Corner, later worked in food service at Georgia Southwestern College, and spent 24 years in manufacturing at Manhattan Shirt Company. She completed her career with 22 years of service in the Sumter County Schools Transportation System, retiring in May 2011.

Her life was blessed with two loving marriages. On September 29, 1962, she married Henry Carson Daniel, with whom she shared 22 wonderful years until his passing in 1984. Later, she married Deacon James Franklin Rowell, Sr., and together they built a beautiful life for 28 years until his passing in 2014. Their union was blessed with one precious son, James Franklin Rowell, Jr., and in 2024, her joy expanded with the addition of her daughter‑in‑law, Carmen Gilliam.

Preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; her sister Ozie Bell Daniels; her brother Johnnie Lee Little; a cousin she loved as a brother McArthur Little; and two bonus sons, Lawrence Rowell and Dr. Thaddeus Rowell, Mary Jo leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and devotion. She is survived by her son James Franklin Rowell, Jr. (Carmen) of Columbus, Georgia; two bonus daughters Pamela Williams (Tommy) of Americus, Georgia, and Minister Penelope Ivey Woods (Harold) of Decatur, Georgia; her brother James Little, Jr., Americus, Georgia; five sisters: Earlean Brown, Tammy (Alphonson) Baker, Gloria (James) Jones, Americus, Goergia, Anna (Lester) Broner, Kennesaw, Georgia, and Dr. Connie (Eddie) Kitchens of Stockbridge, Georgia; sisters‑in‑law Ruby Little of Americus, Georgia and Apostle Dr. Helen Felton of Auburn, Alabama; one brother‑in‑law Dr. Charles Rowell of College Station, Texas; devoted friends Edward and Jennie Green, Americus, Georgia; her Bethlehem Baptist Church Family; and a host of sorrowing cousins and friends.

Mary’s life was marked by faith, resilience, and joy. Her spiritual belief sustained her through major health challenges and personal losses, but her testimony remained constant: “The LORD Has Been Good to Me… And Thank You Lord!”

As a family, we feel so blessed and deeply grateful to God for the gift of her life, for her legacy of faith, family, service, and love. May it continue to live on as a testimony of God’s faithfulness in hearts of those she touched.