Bobbie Jo attended FSU but felt more of a calling to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a cosmetologist, helping people look their best for 40 years. In her earlier years she participated in local beauty pageants. Her proudest achievement was singing soprano for the elite EHS choral group, The Rebelaires. Having medaled in several state competitions, she found her greatest joy in song. The group continued to sing together over the years as The Phyllis Merritt Singers. Their trip to Washington DC, where they had the privilege to be the first group to sing at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, was one of the highlights of her life. She also had other opportunities to travel much of the world including memorable trips to Europe, South America and the Holy Land.
Bobbie Jo grew up in the Baptist faith, growing up at Myrtle Grove Baptist Church and later attending Olive Baptist Church. She loved the Lord, Alabama football and her dog Bama. She also loved to laugh and could tell the occasional salty joke with the best of them. Heaven will be in stitches.
Bobbie Jo is survived by her husband Tom Rowe, step-daughters Cheryl Rowe Moore and Laura Rowe Payton, her daughter-in -law Tracey Roberts, grandchildren Callie Andrews and Malachi Roberts and Brandon Perkins and one great grandson Benjamin Daniel Estrada. She is also survived by her brothers James (Peacha) Sasser and Walter (Janet) Sasser and several nieces and nephews. She is also mourned by special friends who enriched her life so much; among them, Angela Oliver (Angel) who was her home health aid and who became her dear friend.
Bobbie Jo is preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Bobbie Sasser, her sister Ruby Jean Lambert, and her son from her previous marriage to Jeff Perkins, Daniel Perkins.
A graveside service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, February 6 at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
