Mr. James Howard Rowland

James Howard Rowland, affectionately known as “T.C.,” was born on September 6, 1940, to the late John C. and Christine McDaniel Rowland. He passed away peacefully at home on September 15, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mattie Louise Farmer Rowland; two sons, James T. Rowland and Jefferey D. Rowland; two brothers, Cleveland Rowland and John Arthur Rowland; and one sister, Carolyn Jean Rowland.

James began his education at Short Journey School and graduated from the Johnston County Training School (J.C.T.S.) Class of 1958.

James joined Willow Spring Free Will Baptist Church at an early age. Throughout his career, he held various driving positions. His final role was as an executive chauffeur for TRW, a subcontractor for the U.S. Department of Defense, where he served for 30 years before retiring in 2001.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted daughter and caregiver, Salethea Rowland Baber, affectionately known as “Tiny,” of the home; daughter Christine Anderson (Billy) of Richmond, VA; siblings Katie Rowland Ricketts of Washington, DC, Sylvia Rowland Jones of Smithfield, NC, Gerald Rowland (Shelia) of Smithfield, NC, Linda Rowland Daniels of Garner, NC, and Sandra Monroe (Teddy) of Smithfield, NC; grandsons Terrance Washington and Tracy Lee; granddaughter Latrice Anderson; aunt Margaret Peacock; uncles William McDaniel and Napoleon McDaniel; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Out of respect for the family, please visit the home only during these hours: Thursday, September 17, and Friday, September 18, 3:00–7:00 p.m.; Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2:00–6:00 p.m.; Monday, September 21, 3:00–7:00 p.m.; and Tuesday, September 22, 5:00–8:00 p.m.

Viewing: Tuesday, September 22, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremations Chapel, 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC 27577.

Funeral Service: Wednesday, September 23, at 11:00 a.m. at Shiloh Christian Church, 211 Durham St., Smithfield, NC 27577. Viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Click on The Add Comments Line Below to leave a message for the family.

 Guest Book



First Name: Paul and Shirley
Last Name: Ingram
Email: ncingram6@aol.com
Phone: 9199343918
Family or Deceased Name: Rowland
Message: May the cherished memories of the times you shared bring you comfort and loving peace for wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories. May God's love comfort you.

First Name: Pauline
Last Name: Sanders
Email: Sanders.Pauline48@gmail.com
Phone: 919-359-2474
Family or Deceased Name: James H. Rowland
Message: Sending my sincere condolences to Salethea and family. May God continue to hold you close.

First Name: Vanessa
Last Name: Legardy
Email: vlegardy71@gmail.com
Phone: 9194644084
Family or Deceased Name: James Rowland
Message: Sending my condolences to the family. Mr. James I want you and the family to know thanks for the good times I had with with ya'll. RIP MR. JAMES. NO MORE PAIN

First Name: Pauline
Last Name: Sanders
Email: Sanders.Pauline48@gmail.com
Phone: 919-359-2474
Family or Deceased Name: James H. Rowland
Message: Sending my sincere condolences to Salethea and family. May God continue to hold you close.

First Name: Hellene Sanders
Last Name: Burns & Siblings
Email: hburns1141@gmail.com
Phone: 3018483355
Family or Deceased Name: Rowland Family
Message: Just know Our deepest thoughts & prayers are with you today & days thereafter. May you'll find Peace in knowing that your love one is resting in his new Heavenly home.

First Name: Sharon
Last Name: Sanders
Email: sharonsanders76@gmail.com
Phone: 9196337368
Family or Deceased Name: Rowland Family
Message: On behalf of the Rowland Family Reunion we extend our deepest condolences. Cousin James will definitely be missed, take your rest now.
Reunion Secretary,
Ms. Sharon Sanders

First Name: Rosetta
Last Name: Washington
Email: washingtonroe@yahoo.com
Phone: 3473253883
Family or Deceased Name: James H Rowland
Message: I’m gonna miss ur hey’s sitting on the front porch. You’ve done a great job in your journey. God chose u to be by his side and your family was missing you. Sleep well Mr Rowland and it was a pleasure to have known you,

First Name: Jazmine
Last Name: Gladden
Email: Jazmine.gladden@yahoo.com
Phone: 9144095877
Family or Deceased Name: Mr. James H Rowland
Message: To my dear friend Salethea; our love and support are with you and your family. We pray that you all will be comforted and hug each other a little tighter during this time. Continued Peace and Blessings to you all.

First Name: Bonita
Last Name: Thompson
Email: bonitathompson5053@gmail.com
Phone: 4049104873
Family or Deceased Name: Rowland
Message: Tiny a love that deep never fades in memory, it only grows stronger in your heart. Wishing you peace and comfort during this sad time.

First Name: Tracey
Last Name: Johnson
Email: traceypjohnson1@verizon.net
Phone: 3014486079
Family or Deceased Name: James H. Rowland
Message: Sending my deepest condolences to my dear friend. Although, some goodbyes will be heavier than others, and healing is rarely a straight line. Just know that you have a gentle place to rest your thoughts, find peace in the quiet moments, and extend yourself grace on the difficult days. Praying you find strength in the memories of your dad and comfort in knowing that you are not walking this path alone.

Always here for you!

First Name: Anthony & Therisa
Last Name: Shaw
Email: ruffintherisa@gmail.com
Phone: 9196285150
Family or Deceased Name: James Rowland
Message: Salethea, Anthony and I send our deepest sympathies for the loss of your dad. We are and will continue to pray for the entire family. We are here for you anytime you need us. May God wrap his loving arms around you all.

First Name: Ronnie
Last Name: Padgett
Email: ronnie@jcats.org
Phone: 9842743014
Family or Deceased Name: The Rowland Family
Message: We send our deepest condolences, our thoughts and prayer are with you Tiny. In short a poem to my dear family, "Time will come, and time will go, you and I together God will only know". May the Lord strengthen you all. Humbly submitted with love.

First Name: Rosalyn
Last Name Sanders-Nixon
Email kro97@verizon.net
Phone 2404818523
Family or Deceased Name Rowland Family
Message Extending my Heartfelt Sympathy and praying your strength, during this time.