Deaconess Lillie B. Rowlett

 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

Lillie Mae Bell Rowlett was born on March 22, 1931, in Ridge Spring, South Carolina, the fourth child of Arthur “Pete” Bell and Albina Greene Bell.

Lillie earned her bachelor’s degree from Virginia Union University and devoted her life to education. She served as an administrative assistant in the Office of Student Affairs at Virginia State University, where she also earned her master’s degree in 1980. After retiring from Virginia State, she continued sharing her gift for teaching as a substitute teacher in the Chesterfield and Richmond schools. She was also a licensed realtor. In 1982, Lillie joined the Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, and she remained a proud and devoted member for more than four decades, becoming a Life Member in March 2025.

Lillie was a true servant of God who rejoiced in every opportunity to share the Gospel with anyone and everyone. Her faith inspired her to travel the world to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. With her church family, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by visiting the Holy Land, and her journeys also took her to Egypt. For more than 30 years, she served as a deaconess at the historic First Baptist Church on Harrison Street in Petersburg, Virginia, where she had been a member since 1962. An ardent Bible reader and a spiritual warrior, she believed deeply in the power of prayer and actively participated in Bible study groups throughout the region. She was always ready to witness to anyone who needed encouragement or longed to know the love of Christ. As a longtime Sunday school teacher, she especially enjoyed ministering to young people. Her favorite song, “Order My Steps,” echoed her daily prayer that God would guide her path, and Proverbs 3:5–6 was the scripture she held closest to her heart.

A lover of gardening and the outdoors, Lillie took great joy in growing both vegetables and flowers. She could often be found tending her garden and yard to make sure everything looked just right. Whenever her family called to ask what she was up to, she would happily report that she was “digging in the dirt.” On a beautiful day, she was happiest outside, soaking up the sunshine and delighting in God’s creation.

In 1957, Lillie married Charles Aubrey Rowlett, Sr., at First Baptist Centralia, the church where her Virginia family still worships today and where she was affectionately known as “Auntee.” Lillie and Charles were married for 61 years. From their union came one child, Charles Aubrey Rowlett, Jr., whom she adored. Mother and son shared a close bond and did a great deal together throughout their lives. Even in her later years, before his passing, the two took computer classes together, a testament to both her love of learning and the special relationship they shared.

Lillie loved her family dearly, especially her grandchildren, Takeisa and Brandon. They were her pride and joy, and she made sure they always felt her boundless love. Together, they shared many adventures, as she traveled to visit them in the various places they lived, worked, and attended school. Her devotion knew no limits; she even sat in on a college class a few times alongside Brandon at Morehouse College and the Georgia Institute of Technology. As her family grew with the births of her great-grandchildren, Trenton and Corinne, so did her love. She made a point of visiting them in Chicago as often as possible, loving them as only “Gigi” could. Her love extended far beyond her own family. She embraced a host of Christian sons and daughters, as well as a special circle of former Virginia State students she affectionately called her “VSU daughters,” all of whom she held in the deepest affection.

Lillie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, Charles Aubrey Rowlett, Sr.; her son, Charles Aubrey Rowlett, Jr.; her parents, Arthur “Pete” Bell and Albina Greene Bell; her brothers, Leonard Bell, Sr., and William Bell; and her sisters, Lucille Bell, Mary Elizabeth Miles, and Helen Bell Friend.

As the matriarch of her family, she leaves behind loved ones who will forever cherish memories of her kindness and unconditional love. She is survived by her granddaughter, Takeisa Rowlett Sledge (Evan); her grandson, Brandon Rowlett; her two great-grandchildren, Trenton Sledge and Corinne Sledge; her three siblings, James Bell, Paul Bell (Lorraine), and Sadie Davis (Jerome); and a host of nieces and nephews.

On September 24, 2026, at the age of 95, Lillie entered eternal rest in the arms of the Lord. During her brief illness, she was lovingly cared for by her Virginia nieces, Joan Chapman, Marietha Chapman, and Hilda Jones; and her longtime caregivers, Renee Harley, Deneatrice “Dee” Alston, and Laurinda Finn-Davis.

Though her voice was soft, her will remained strong until her final days, and she left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She had a unique gift for making each person feel they shared a special connection with her. She often reminded those she loved to “Stay in the Church House,” and her family will carry those words—and her faithful example—with them always. She will be deeply missed, but her family takes great comfort in knowing how many lives she touched.

The family would like to thank A WelBlesd Home, LLC, for its compassionate caregiving and for surrounding Lillie with love, comfort, and dignity throughout her final days.

We are deeply grateful for your friendship and for your outpouring of love, kindness, sympathy, and prayers. We appreciate your calls, texts, visits, and many expressions of love during our time of sorrow. May God continue to bless and keep each of you, and we ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers. Your love, support, and friendship will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, cards, or gifts, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to the First Baptist Church Sanctuary Renovation Project in Lillie’s memory. Those who wish to give may donate online at https://secure.myvanco.com/L-YSG2/campaign/C-12KZS or mail a check or money order to First Baptist Church, 236 Harrison Street, Petersburg, VA 23803. Please write “Principal Payment to Loan” in the memo line.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Friday, October 16, 2026, at First Baptist Church, 236 Harrison Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Tillman, Pastor and eulogist. The interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

A wake will be held from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the funeral establishment. During this time, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony will be observed in honor of her life and legacy.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page. Click here for live services