Alba Rowland, 83, of Franklin, passed away Friday, October 28, 2011.

Born in Macon Co, she was the daughter of the late Harley E. Yonce and Eva Raburn Yonce. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Brice Rowland who died April 18, 1980; two sisters, Dorothy Yonce Waters and Ruth Yonce Solesbee and a brother, Gay Yonce. From 1962-1970 Alba was a jailer when her husband Brice was Sheriff of Macon County. She and Brice owned and operated Rowland Furniture for several years and she was a waitress at several local restaurants. Alba was a member of Burningtown Baptist Church and attended First Assembly of God for many years. She was always known for her sense of humor and love of people.

She is survived by three sons, Mitchell Rowland and wife Katie, Stephen Rowland and wife Cynthia and David Rowland; sister, Myrtle Yonce Allen of Andrews; seven grandchildren; Gary and wife Lynn, Brian and wife Tracy, Ryan and wife Amber, Brice, Nichole, Andrea Rowland and Christy Rowland Apel; eight great grandchildren, Morgan, Micaiah, Sydney, Samantha, Kelsey, Kirsey, Kaleb and Olivia and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 30, in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Paul Backhaus will officiate. Burial will be in the Burningtown Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m. Saturday, October 29 at Macon Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Brian Rowland, Brice Rowland, Kaleb Apel, Ryan Rowland, Jack Hodgin and Doug Welch.

Memorial donations can be made to Burningtown Baptist Church, 279 Edwards Road, Franklin, NC 28734.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge with the arrangements.