Claudean Brookshire Rowell

Claudean "Pat" Rowell passed away peacefully at Lakeland Regional Medical Center on January 2, 1013 at the age of 90. Pat was born in Gainesville, Georgia on February 19, 1922 to parents Early and Sultina Brookshire. She graduated from Chestatee High school and Habersham College. When her future husband James was deployed to the South Pacific in World War II, Pat was one of the first nine women trained and hired as welders at the J. A. Jones Shipyard in Brunswick, Georgia. She served on the steering committee of the U.S.O. in support of the men and women of the armed forces. Pat was a member of the wartime Civil Air Patrol where she learned to fly. She later worked as a lab technician at Brunswick Paper Mill in Georgia until she married James Rowell on December 3, 1947. Pat then travelled and supported James on his assignments in Great Britain, Nova Scotia and several locations in the United States until he retired to Lakeland, Florida in 1966. Pat's spiritual life has always been a major part of her identity and she supported Air Force Chapel programs including President of the Protestant Women of the Chapel; Sunday school teacher and service on the Chapel Board of Directors. She also enjoyed years of committed service and fellowship at Lakeside Baptist church before becoming an active member of Scott Lake Baptist Church. Following over 20 years as a full time mother and homemaker, Pat began a new career of 14 years as a Codes Analyst for the Polk County Building Department. Throughout her life she enjoyed traveling with her husband and family. Pat's other avocations included cooking and sewing for family and friends. Pat is survived by her husband James Rowell, son Randolph Rowell (Jean), daughter Jamie Burris (Pat), Grandchildren Steven Rowell (Mollie McKenzie), Kimberly Rowell Cook (William III), Mollie Burris, Andrew Burris and Shannon Burris; Great-grandchildren Kelsey Cook and Lindsey Cook. Funeral services will be held at Frye Funeral Home in Nahunta, Georgia on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 3 PM with Rev. Reggie Herrin and Rev. Daniel Harris officiating. Visitation will be an hour prior to service. Burial will follow in Satilla Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kelly Rowell, Brian Rowell, Greg Rowell, David Royster, Andrew Patrick Burris, and Steven Randolph Rowell. A Memorial Service will be planned in Lakeland, Florida for a later date. Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta. Sympathy may be expressed by signing our online registry at fryefh.com.