Mama went to be with her Lord on Thursday, August 28th. Rowena lived a full life of service to others for nearly 94 years. She loved her family dearly and cared for every member in so many ways. Rowena’s passion for children carried her through 31 years of education, primarily teaching 5th grade at Clarkesville Elementary School. She holds her bachelor’s degree in education from Mercer University and her Master’s and Six-Year Specialist from the University of Georgia. Her classroom was active, filled with creative ways of learning.
Mrs. Lovell was beloved by her students and fellow teachers. As an active member of Alpha Delta Kappa teacher sorority, Rowena received the honored Golden Sister award from the organization. Reaching beyond the classroom, Rowena helped beautify Habersham County alongside fellow members of the local Garden Club and coached her daughter, Susan, and her granddaughters in planting beautiful pots boasting spring and summer flowers. She was an avid fan of books and reading, teaching many people how to read with the local literacy society. Rowena guided several people as they gained their U.S. citizenship.
Rowena’s parents were Odis and Hettie Cruce. Rowena was born in Hoschton, GA, on October 4th, 1931. Her older brother, Tyson, and younger sister, Betty, were precious to her. When Rowena was ten years old, she contracted polio and suffered from the effects for her entire life. She never complained about the pain she had to endure, and she never let this stop her from doing anything that she desired to do.
The family moved to Clarkesville when Rowena was 16 years old for Odis to become the pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church. She soon met the love of her life, Hubert Lovell, who lived just across the road from the pastorium. They married on August 21st, 1951. Their life together was filled with nurturing three children, Randy, Susan, and John, nine grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren, and she became known as Mama to this growing clan.
Rowena and Hubert showed up for everything family for as long as they were able. Favorite times for them were traveling with friends and family, and serving in Bethlehem Baptist Church ministries. Summer days welcomed them to their cabin on Lake Burton. Rowena was an excellent cook and enjoyed entertaining many people around her dining room table. She was called “the best cook in Habersham County” by Hubert. Her children and grandchildren learned many skills in the kitchen.
Rowena was preceded in death by her husband, Hubert, and her mother and father, Hettie and Odis. She will be remembered by her family and friends as someone who was always there for them with love, a hug, and a covered dish when they needed it. She will be missed.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville, Georgia, with Pastor Rick Hermann & Rev. David Blackmon officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 1, 2025.
Flowers are accepted, or the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by visiting stjude.org or to Bethlehem Baptist Church, P.O. Box 488, Clarkesville, GA. 30523
An online guest registry is available for the Lovell family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
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