Barbourville, Ky. – Francis Diana Rowland, 75, of Barbourville, passed away June 10, 2023. Francis was the daughter of Richard and Mae Vanover Ross, born to them on April 5, 1948, in the Warren Community, Knox County, Kentucky. Francis was a lifelong resident of Barbourville. In 1968 she united in marriage to Vernon Rowland and to this union two children, Jill and Barry, were born. Francis was a faithful member of East Barbourville Baptist Church. In addition to keeping a warm and loving home for family and friends alike, she worked for many years as the office manager for the Kentucky Department of Parks. Francis loved her family dearly. She also loved her church and being of service to God and to her community. Her favorite hobbies included listening to gospel music and going to “trade” (grocery shopping) with Vernon. Francis was a wonderful cook. She enjoyed making delicious homemade meals for her family and friends who remember fondly her mouthwatering fried chicken. She collected recipes, had an eye for beautiful serving-ware and cookware and enjoyed watching cooking shows on Food Network to hone her craft. Caring for family and friends was a priority to Francis. She was especially devoted to her mother, Mae, and cherished the sweet time they spent together at her mother’s home lovingly known as “The House”.
Francis is survived by her beloved husband of 55 years Vernon Rowland; her daughter Jill Rowland Wilburn and husband Keith; son Barry Rowland and Rhonda Martin, and her dear mother Mae Vanover Ross, all of Barbourville. Francis leaves behind four grandchildren: Lindsey Taylor Kirby and husband Brian, Zachary Wilburn and wife Shelby, and Tannah Rowland and one great-grandson Jace Hensley. Brothers Mike Ross (Shirley Burnett), Steve Ross (Beth), and Jake Ross and sisters Melanie Ross, Susie Gambrel (Clifford), Melissa Corey (Mike), and Kenitha Warren also survive Francis and will miss her dearly along with sisters-in-laws Margaret Ann Smith, Betty Rowland Smith, Valerie Ross and many special nieces, nephews, and friends.
Francis was preceded in death by her father Thomas Richard Ross, by her brothers: Ronald Ross, Harold Partin, Carl Ross, Charles Ross and Tommy Ross, and special Aunt Edith Vanover.
The Rowland family will receive friends at East Barbourville Baptist Church on Thursday, June 15, 2023, from 12:00 PM until the funeral hour of 3:00 PM. Reverend Josh Smith and Reverend James Vandy will officiate with musical tributes performed by Reverend David Barnard and East Barbourville Baptist Praise Team. Interment will follow the funeral service in Barbourville Cemetery, Knox County, Kentucky. The family has chosen as Casket Bearers: Zachary Wilburn, Brian Kirby, Greg Fisher, Jarrod O’Connor, Justin O’Connor, Brandon Warren, Bradlee Warren, Bryan Warren, Josh Cain, Steve Gambrel, and John Ross Gambrel. Honorary Casket Bearers are Terry and Charlotte Messer, David and Deloria Faulkner, Mike and Sharon Warren, Ted Jackson, Charlotte Click, Georgia Wilburn, Dr. Charles Stargell and Staff, Pam Brown, Soandra Campbell, Louise Disney, Doyle Rutherford, Charles and Janet Miracle and EBBC SALT Group.
The Hopper family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home express sincere condolences to the family and friends of Francis Diana Rowland.
Hopper Funeral Home, Inc., established over 100 years ago, is in charge of servicing all arrangements for Francis Diana Rowland.
