Alberta "Shirley" Rowland

Alberta Rowland, fondly known as Ms. Shirley to many, was born on January 22, 1939, to Adel and Percival Archer in Colon, Republic of Panama. She was the second of four siblings: Lydia, Alfonso, and Floricia. She attended Liceo de Señoritas, a distinguished high school/college for young ladies. Shortly after graduation, she was introduced to the love of her life by Phil’s sister, Barbara. When Barbara met Shirley, she told her brother, “I have a good girl for you!” That was the beginning of a wonderful love story that withstood the test of time. Phil and Shirley celebrated 61 years of a beautiful covenant relationship. In 1963, Shirley, the first of her siblings, received an invitation from her mom to come to America to make the most of its opportunities. Soon after, Mama filed for Phil as well. They started at the bottom and worked very hard—Shirley in Healthcare and Phil in Banking. Together, the family bought a piece of land and built a beautiful two-family home in Richmond Hill, Queens, NY. Countless family members and friends were housed there and then went on to purchase their own homes and live productive lives. This heritage of love, selflessness, and generosity is the essence of who Ms. Shirley was. From her home in Richmond Hill to that in Georgia, you could always find welcoming arms, a listening ear, and a hot plate of food. Shirley's true joy came from spending time with her family. She loved to host weekly Sunday dinners as well as holiday gatherings. There were 30+ for dinner at any given time, with room always for one more. She was an EXCELLENT cook who embraced her Hispanic heritage. Much to the dismay of her grandchildren, she never wrote any recipes or measurements for her delicious dishes. However, a select few do know the secret ingredients for Shirley's renowned iced tea! Ms. Shirley was a friend to many young ladies. She was wise, quiet, warm, and trustworthy. Those qualities made her a confidant to them. Twenty of their twenty-one years in Georgia were spent at Victory Church, where they quickly became members. Shirley had a heart for missions and the youth and gave generously to both causes. She loved Jesus with all her heart. On a Sunday, while cooking, she could be found blazing the songs of the church and singing at the top of her lungs, while Phil quipped with a hug, “Shhh… let’s keep the stormy weather away, honey.” She was never deterred. Shirley is a beautiful soul that is now at rest with her Maker. We love you, Bubi, Mother, Madre, Mommy, Grammy, Grandma, Abue, Tía, Comadre, Suegra, Auntie, Friend. “Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: ‘There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!’ Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.” —Proverbs 31:28-31 NLT Shirley is survived by her husband, Phil; her children: Delita Eneida (Andrew), Yolanda, and Mark Anthony (Keila); Grandchildren: Sean (Kismet), Chris (Regina), Destiny, and Cameron; Great-grands: Mason and Dillon; Siblings: Lydia, Alfonso, and Floricia (Pooch); and a vast host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters and brothers-in-law, godchildren, and dear family friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made In Memory of Shirley to charities that were dear to her heart: Victory Church - Heart of the House Initiative https://victoryatl.com/heart-of-the-house/ or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory Shirley Rowland https://www.stjude.org/donate Arrangements by Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 300 Simonton Road SW, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. 770-962-3100. Please sign the online guest registry at www.stewartfh.com. He Only Took My Hand By Dr. Lennox Graham Last night while I was trying to sleep my mother's voice I did hear. I open my eyes and looked around but she did not appear. She said, "My family you must listen and try to understand God did not take me from you He only took my hand. My search is really over now I've found happiness within. All the answers to my empty dreams and all that might have been. I love you all and miss you so and will always be nearby. My body is gone forever but my spirit will never die. And so you all must go on now just take one day at a time. Just remember God did not take me from you He only took my hand."

Alberta "Shirley" Rowland

January 22, 1939 - June 7, 2024

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Alberta "Shirley" Rowland

January 22, 1939 - June 7, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support