Shaaron Rowland Obituary Shaaron Rowland, 85, went home to be with Jesus on May 10, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. She loved Jesus, people, and Little Johnny jokes. Born Shaaron Annice Pratt in Navasota, Texas, on July 1, 1939, she was the youngest child of Arnold and Pearlie Mae (Steward) Pratt. Shaaron's earliest memories were of walking alone at the age of five to the First Baptist Church of Navasota as her parents needed to be there early, and walking to town with neighborhood friends to watch Tarzan at the local movie theater on Saturday mornings. When she was in sixth grade, her family moved to Lake Jackson, Texas, where her dad opened the town's first department store, Style Mart. Both parents worked long hours at the store, so Shaaron became the family cook. She would call the store to find out what to make for dinner, and she stayed on the line as her mom, or whichever employee was closest to the phone, would tell her each step. She got her hardship driver's license at 12 to run errands for the family. This was the same year she met Lionel Rowland and promptly beat him in a game of marbles. He was immediately smitten, and they started going steady in junior high. In school, Shaaron was active in theater and choir, played basketball, and was admitted to the chemistry club despite a failing grade and over the objection of the chemistry teacher, as she was the only member with a car. Shaaron and Lionel went to Baylor together and were married September 1, 1960, between their junior and senior year. They graduated in 1961 and headed to Port Arthur, where Lionel was employed to teach Latin and Shaaron was about to have their first child. They quickly had three children: Michael, Cheryl, and Cynthia. They joined the First Baptist Church of Port Arthur, but moved to First Baptist Church of Port Neches in 1965 when the organist position became available to Lionel. Shaaron and Lionel immersed themselves in their church and community. They were youth leaders, Sunday School teachers, and training union teachers. Shaaron played in and led handbells and ladies' ensembles, was very involved in WMU, and was later a speaker for Christian Women's Clubs around Texas. In December 2022, she received a Doctorate of Workplace Ministries from Primus University of Theology. After Lionel died in 2009, Shaaron, at 70, got her passport and went to Africa on the first of seven international mission trips. She moved to Vidor in 2017, quickly becoming involved in Grace Community Church. With much urging, and reluctant to leave the Texas coast, Shaaron moved to Lubbock in 2024 to be close to family. She moved into a retirement community, but when able, was out and about town with family. She voluntarily turned in her car keys but was quick to drive a golf cart when her daughter played a round. She retained her sense of humor throughout her life, which was never more evident than when she critiqued each golf shot. Shaaron is survived by daughter Cheryl Bateman and husband Darrell of Lubbock, Texas, Cynthia Robertson and husband Daniel of Denton, Texas, and seven grandchildren: John Moody, Ryan Rowland, Austin Robertson, Andrew Robertson, Lucas Bateman, Adam Robertson, and Tori Bateman. She is also survived by many "adopted" children and those she called dear. Shaaron is preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Pearlie Mae Pratt, husband, Lionel Rowland, son, Michael Rowland, and sister, Phyllis Castleberry. In lieu of flowers, Shaaron would like you to perform an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness in her memory. A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Port Neches, Texas, on Sunday, June 1, at 3:00 pm. Services

Memorial Service Sunday June 1, 2025 3:00 PM First Baptist Church of Port Neches (Texas)