Dedra Ann Rowley

On July 28, 2025, Dedra Ann Rowley-devoted wife, loving mother and Mimi, precious daughter and sister-passed away at the age of 73. She was the first of two children born to John and Oma Lee Kennedy on April 17, 1952 in Hobbs, New Mexico.

Dedra grew up in Eunice, New Mexico and Andrews, Texas. She graduated from Andrews High School in 1970, where she enjoyed her time in choir.

She met the love of her life, Bruce Rowley, in September 1973 at a prayer and Bible study at a friend's home in Andrews, Texas. She and Bruce married on December 21, 1973, in Andrews, where they began their mission in life until they transferred to Houston in 1975. She loved being a mother to Laura, Larisa, and Samuel. Dedra's love for babies led her and Bruce to answer the call to become foster parents to numerous children over the next 13 years. Her love for the babies-and God's call to care for them-led to the adoption of Ebby, Derrick, Caleb, and Bryce.

In addition to her mission of caring for children, she enjoyed crafting, cross-stitch, and crochet. She cherished the gift of grandchildren and loved to hear about all their interests and accomplishments. She also enjoyed attending their activities. When not with the grandkids, she loved supervising yard work and selecting, potting, planting, and rearranging her variety of plants-especially her hydrangeas and plumerias. She always shared cuttings and plants when friends and family visited. When not planting, she enjoyed trying new recipes and restaurants, even after long days of shopping with family and friends. She cherished her cousins and many friends. Her light shown wherever she went. No matter in what activity Dedra partook, she reflected her love for God and the Lord Jesus Christ in her choice of praise and worship music.

Dedra was preceded in death by her parents, John and Oma Lee Kennedy; sister, Gayla Kennedy; and son-in-law, José Acosta.

Left to cherish her memories are her loving husband of over 51 years, Bruce Rowley; daughter, Laura Margaret Rowley Acosta, and grandsons, Marcus and Mason; daughter, Larisa Ann Rowley Igo and husband, Shaun, and grandsons, Caden, Levi, and Zane; son, Samuel Bruce Rowley and wife, Lauren, granddaughter, Madison and grandson, Grayson; daughter, Ebby Elizabeth Rowley; son, Derrick Austin Rowley; son, Caleb Matthew Rowley; and son, Bryce Joel Rowley; along with numerous other family and friends.

Dedra's eyes radiated with the light of her faith, and her heart beat with the love she endlessly shared with her family and friends-until the moment God called her home to the sound of angels singing and the music of heaven resounding in her ears. Dedra's legacy of love for Jesus, her family, and her friends will live on in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that donations be made on Dedra's behalf to Gideons International. Please visit sendtheword.org to purchase bibles that will be donated to help spread the word and love of Christ to others.