
In Loving Memory

Lillian Rowry
May 14, 1932 — February 9, 2026
With profound sadness, yet a heart full of gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Lillian Rowry, who departed this world peacefully on February 9, 2026. Born on May 14, 1932, in Hurtsboro, Alabama, Lillian was a testament to grace, resilience, and unwavering faith.
Lillian was the cherished daughter of Willie L. Berry and Julia Elizabeth Berry, who predeceased her along with her loving husband, T.L. Rowry; her son, Anthony Rowry; and her brothers, Lee Andrew Berry, Eugene Berry, Roosevelt Berry, Richard Berry, Willie Berry, and Tommie Berry. Though we mourn these losses, we take solace in knowing they are reunited in eternal peace.
A devoted wife and mother, Lillian married the love of her life, T.L. Rowry, on December 18, 1957. Together, they built a nurturing home filled with love, laughter, and the joyful chaos that accompanies raising four children: Cassandra Berry, Anthony Rowry, Samuel Rowry, and Geoffrey Rowry. Her family was her pride and joy, a testament to her life's work and love.
Lillian's journey took her from Hurtsboro to Chicago, Illinois, where she graduated from Russell Training School on May 22, 1952. She embraced her new life in Chicago with open arms, dedicating herself to her family and her faith. A long-time member of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, Lillian was a beacon of light, fostering enduring friendships and strengthening her community through fellowship.
Her life's tapestry was woven with the simple joys she adored: cooking for her family, tending to her garden, knitting, traveling, relishing in the company of her loved ones, and her steadfast presence at church. Lillian's quiet strength and gentle spirit were the cornerstones of her life. Her wisdom, resilience, and unwavering faith provided an anchor, guiding her family through life's seasons with dignity and grace.
Lillian leaves behind a legacy of love through her surviving sister, Julia Ann Smith; her children, Cassandra Berry, Samuel Rowry, and Geoffrey Rowry; her grandchildren, Roderic Berry, Latrese Berry, Devoyia Hearn, Samantha Rowry-Adjekum, Antonio Rowry, Tiffany Montgomery, Allena Rowry, Geoffrey Rowry, and Broderick Rowry; and her great-grandchildren, Tremaine McDaniel, Roderic Berry (Rodie), Roderic (Rb) Berry, Elijah Williams, Christopher Moore, Kristabella Rowry, Devoyia Blake, Farrell Robinson, Michayla Montgomery, Divine Montgomery, Adri'elle Rowry, Miyani Rowry, Gemari Rowry, Tahiry Rowry, Giovanni Rowry, and Legend Hooper. Her memory will forever be cherished in their hearts.
A celebration of Lillian's life will be held on February 27, 2026, at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, located at 4501 S Vincennes Avenue, Chicago, IL 60653. Services will commence at 10:00 AM, where we will gather to honor her memory and the profound impact she had on all who knew her.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for your prayers and support during this time. As we celebrate the life of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and matriarch, we find peace in knowing she rests in the arms of the Lord. We ask that you continue to keep our family lifted in prayer as we navigate this profound loss.
May the legacy of Lillian Rowry inspire us all to live with love, faith, and the quiet strength that she so effortlessly exemplified.