MEMPHIS, Tenn – Services for Beatrice C. “Bea” Rowland, of Natchez, who died Monday, Dec. 31, 2007, at Natchez Regional Medical Center, will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Forest Hill East Funeral Home, in Memphis, Tenn., with the Rev. Steve Pearson officiating. The Revs. Bobby Caples and Bo Swilley will assist.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time Friday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Rowland was the oldest daughter, the second child born of nine, to Earnest Merritt Cossitt and Alberta Brumley Cossitt. At the age of 18, she married Cody Ray Rowland, the love of her life. They were together for 48 years until his death on Oct. 20, 1997.

She was always busy working as an employee or as a homemaker. She enjoyed cooking and having quality time with her family. She loved sports and enjoyed playing bingo, cards, and shuffleboard with her friends from the Moose Lodge. She was a member of Community Chapel Church of God in Natchez.

She was employed for many years at the Piggly Wiggly store in Natchez. Her former employer praised her for being an excellent employee and example for his children. She loved her Christian brothers and sisters. Mrs. Rowland touched many lives because she loved people. She was a beautiful person and will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and brothers, Allen Cossitt, Billy Cossitt and Tom Cossitt.

Survivors include her daughters, Beverly Mulloy, Pat Sullivant and Shirley Priest; sisters, Kathy LaBarreare, Trudy Hamilton and Kay Graves; brothers, Ray Cossitt and Luther Cossitt; four grandsons; two granddaughters; six great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Community Chapel Church of God, 100 Oakland St., Natchez, MS 39120 or a charity of choice.