Willie Rowland

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing (II Timothy 4: 7-8)”.

Willie Rowland was born on August 1, 1950 to Lois Rowland Edison. Willie was raised in the home under the care of Henry Earl and Modestine Wofford Clark. God called him home on Wednesday, October 20, 2021.

He received his high school diploma from Lincoln High School, Class of 1968. After graduation, Willie enlisted in the United States Navy where he served for twenty years before retiring. While serving in the United States Navy, Willie was a chef on various naval vessels. Mr. Rowland was stationed in various locations throughout his career: Providence, Rhode Island, Jacksonville, FL, and Charleston, SC. Anyone who knew Willie understood his love for his family, the United States Navy, and cooking food for everyone to enjoy.

Willie accepted Christ as his personal Savior at Thompson Street Baptist Church (currently known as Cornerstone Baptist Church) under the leadership of Rev. Dr. B. T. Sears, Sr. Currently, Willie is a member of New Faith Baptist Church in Wellford, SC where he served on the Men’s Chorus and the Culinary Ministry.

While living in Wellford, SC, Willie became a Notary Public and he served as a caregiver to his aunt, Venola C. Wilson “Aunt Sis”.

Willie was preceded in death by: his mother, Lois Rowland Edison; his brother, Frank Steadman; his step-son, Bobby Duggins; his former caregivers, Henry Earl and Modestine Wofford Clark; an aunt, Venola C. Wilson “Aunt Sis”; a father-in-law, Gordon G. Simpson; and a sister-in-law, Sandra D. Simpson.

Prior to falling ill, Willie loved to joke and have fun. He would introduce himself by saying, “My name is Spartanburg Shorty by way of Charleston, SC.” Willie was the life of the party. He made sure that he served as the head cook at church, family events, and at any location where people would allow him to take over their kitchen or grill. When Willie’s health failed in the last six years, he moved into the home with his daughter, Yolanda Rowland, and his grandchildren who became his primary caregivers. Willie leaves to cherish his fond memories: his wife of forty years, Izetta Rowland of Charleston, SC; his daughter, Yolanda Rowland of Spartanburg, SC; step-daughter, LaQuinta Washington of Charleston, SC; three grandchildren reared in the home, Kayla Rowland, Ashton Rowland and Tristan Means all of Spartanburg, SC; step-grandchildren, La’Kethia Haynes, Christopher Chisolm, Romon Washington, Jr., both of Texas, Isaiah Washington, Naomi Washington and David Washington all of Charleston, SC; sisters, Lucille Bolden of Asheville, NC and Earline Clark Browning of Spartanburg, SC; mother-in-law, Inez Simpson of Charleston, SC; sisters-in-law, Gwendelle McCullough (Johnny) of Ridgeland, SC, Eleanor Weiters of Charleston, SC, Ranay Metts of Charleston, SC; brothers-in-law, Gordon G. Simpson, Jr. (Judy) of Albuquerque, NM and Denva G. Simpson (Gail) of Charleston, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of the Life of Willie Rowland will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at The John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel, 602 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the M. J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery, 140 Inway Dr., Anderson, SC.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 1, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the chapel.