Sally Abernathy Rowland

Sally Abernathy Rowland, “Moo,” 85, passed way Friday, February 28, 2025, at Bethany House in Auburn, Ala., following a brief illness. 

A native of Ducktown, Tenn., Moo grew up in the hills of East Tennessee and had a deep love for the area and its people. It was at the Mine City Baptist Church in Ducktown that Moo came to know and love Jesus Christ. She was a lifelong member of the church and a lifelong follower of Jesus. Until her death, she watched the MCBC services online every week.  

In the late 50s, Moo moved to the thriving city of Atlanta to take a job with (the former) South Central Bell Telephone Company. It was there she met Herschel Rowland, who had just completed his service in the United States Air Force. The couple married in 1965 and relocated to Opelika, Ala. in 1976, the place she would call home for the next 49 years. She formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Miracle League of East Alabama and was a member of the Opelika Historic Preservation Society, and the Emblem Club. Professionally, Moo retired from the Opelika City Schools system after many years as an aide. She worked at Ware Jewelers in their Opelika location helping brides create gift registries. It was there she found a passion for working weddings and other events in various capacities. She worked with five-year-olds at First Baptist Church in Opelika for 15 years and was also a loving nanny for the children of close friends.  One of Moo’s greatest joys was baking pound cakes for friends, family, and others. This gift was her own personal ministry and she baked literally thousands of pound cakes over the years.

Moo’s most favorite roles were those of mother and grandmother. She was extremely devoted to her family, especially as she got older. She had the gift of laughter and often brought the family to tears with her hilarious antics. She could make a full meal out of what seemed like nothing, was known for her “famous” biscuits, and was uniquely skilled at sewing and “fixing things.”  Moo adored everything about Christmas and passed this love on to her daughters. She put up a Christmas tree in every room of the house and spent countless hours decorating her house each season. 

Moo was preceded in death by her parents, Cloys E. and June Bennett Abernathy; brother, Paul Clayton Abernathy; nephew Richard Clayton Abernathy; and great-nephew Richard Mason Abernathy. 

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Herschel F. Rowland; daughters Pamela “Pam” Rowland and Amelia “Amy” Rowland of Opelika; her beloved granddaughters, Lindsey (Gary) Harris Pearce of Orange Beach, Ala.; and Elizabeth “Clayton” Harris of Auburn, Ala.; her grandson William “Jackson” Harris of Auburn, with whom she shared a very deep and special bond; and great-grandchildren Maeleigh Will Pearce and Harris Pearce of Orange Beach. 

For those who would like to make a memorial contribution, the family suggests Bethany House (1171 Gatewood Dr. #100, Auburn, Ala. 36830), or the East Alabama Medical Center Foundation (2000 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, Ala. 36801).

The family would like to recognize and thank the staff of Bethany House for their exceptional care and compassion for Moo and for the whole family; they are truly angels on earth. 

To honor Moo’s wishes, her burial will be a private event for her family to gather to celebrate her life and her love for her Lord and Savior. There will be no visitation or service. 

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements.