Terry Rowden

Terry Ann Rowden, age 66, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Saturday, October 25, 2025, at her home.
She was born on January 16, 1959, in Denver, Colorado, the daughter of Anna Delores Turner. Terry was first united in marriage to World War II veteran Durvern Devins, in Memphis, Tennessee, and together they were blessed with three children. Durvern preceded her in death in 1991.
In 1996, she was married at the Jefferson City Courthouse to John Edward Rowden, who survives at their home.
After attending Manual High School in Denver, Terry dedicated much of her career to caring for others. She worked as a Nursing Aide for Cole County Residential Services and later at Scholastic, retiring in 2021 due to her health.
Terry had many passions that made her truly unique. She was a lifelong fan of video games, especially her beloved Nintendo and Xbox. Gaming was one of the ways she stayed playful and connected with her kids and grandkids. Her love for disco, 70s hits, and smooth R&B music often filled her home, creating an atmosphere of joy and nostalgia. You could always count on Terry to turn up the music and remind everyone how good it feels to dance and smile. Cooking and grilling were other ways Terry showed her love. She found happiness in preparing meals for her family - her home was always a place where everyone was welcome and well-fed. The smell of something delicious on the grill, the sound of laughter, and the sight of her smiling as she served her loved ones will forever be remembered.
More than anything, Terry was the heart of her family. She cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, showering them with affection, wisdom, and endless patience. Whether she was sharing stories, dancing to her favorite tunes, or cooking up something delicious, Terry's warmth and kindness were felt deeply by all who knew her. She loved her family more than anything in this world. She made sure her children never went without, not just in the things they needed, but in love, support, and guidance. Her legacy will live on in the traditions she started, the love she gave, and the strength she inspired in everyone who was blessed to know her.
She is survived by her loving husband of almost 30 years, John; four children, Robert Devins of Jefferson City, Missouri, Jawell Devins of Abbeville, Louisiana, Dawn Gibler (Jared) of Jefferson City, Missouri, and Roshelle White (Johnny) of Kansas City, Missouri; two siblings, William "Bill" Lewis and Quindale Allen (Annie); four grandchildren, Saury, Auburn, Mikaylee and Savannah; two great grandchildren, Bellisme and Sage; and several nieces and nephews.
Terry is preceded in death by her mother, Anna Carter; sister, Bea Harper; and granddaughter, Shantell Devins.
A visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary, Friday, November 7, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be conducted at 5:00 p.m. Friday, November 7, 2025, in the Freeman Chapel.
A webcast of the funeral service will begin at 5:00 p.m., Friday November 7, 2025, for friends that are not able to attend by going to her memorial page on Freeman Mortuary's website. Friends may mail sympathy cards to the funeral home or leave condolences online to be given to his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Terry Rowden Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 95, Jefferson City, Mo., 65101.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101. To send flowers to the family of Terry Rowden, please visit our floral store.