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HOWLAND -- JoAnne Wise Rowlands, 88, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, peacefully surrounded by her loving family.
JoAnne was born Feb. 7, 1938, in Greenville, Illinois, the daughter of Dale and Grace Watkins Wise.
JoAnne was a beloved member of North Mar Church and lived her entire life in Howland. Graduating from Howland in 1956, JoAnne met the love of her life, John W. "Jack" Rowlands in high school, and they were married Sept. 25, 1955. Their marriage of 69 years was a true love story. Together, they raised five children, all of whom graduated from Howland High School as well. JoAnne was very proud of her children and the adults they have grown into.
After their marriage, JoAnne began working as a florist for her parents as a floral designer at Wise Florists. She then began driving a school bus for Howland Schools and served in that capacity for 30-plus years. She was beloved by all of the students who rode her bus, and her children would constantly hear from their classmates of what a sweet, nice lady their mom was.
JoAnne served as a member of the choir and was also a deaconess at North Mar and raised her children in the church. JoAnne was also president of the Alliance Women's Club for 25 years. She was a faithful believer in Jesus Christ and passed that faith along to her husband and her children. She was a great supporter of all of her children's interests and was extremely proud of her family. We will miss her greatly. Her example of true Christian servanthood will always serve as an inspiration to her family. She is with Jesus now and for that we are grateful.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; by her father, Dale, and mother, Grace; and by her brothers, Gerald and Dennis.
She is survived by her brother, David; sons, Jeff (Debbie), John (Laurel), Jerry (Julie) and Jamie (Lee Ann); daughter, Julie (Jeff); 11 grandchildren, Chelsea, Matt, Bubba, Tara, Jenna, Jilaine, Joanie, Taylor, Hayley, Lauren and David; and 10 great-grandchildren, Grace, Hailey, Ryleigh, Jackson, Juliet, Tenley, Teagan, Sophie, Tyleigh and Elena Ann.
Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, at North Mar Church. Calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, at the Carl W. Hall Funeral Home and again from 10 a.m. until service time on Wednesday at the church.
Interment will be at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Carl W. Hall Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Mar Church.
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