Veronica Rowe

A queen was born on March 1, 1954, to the union of Ada Mae Rowe and Wyman Rowe in Washington, D.C. Veronica Rowe, affectionately known to family and friends as “Ronnie,” lived a life filled with love, strength, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Ronnie attended Matilda Elementary School and Brown Junior High School in Washington, D.C. At a young age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Greater New Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend C.H. Hamilton.

Ronnie grew up in the Kenilworth Projects, where she became well known for her vibrant personality and unforgettable gatherings. Many remember the phrase, “Ronnie Rowe from Cocomo,” a reflection of her bold spirit and reputation. Ronnie had expensive taste and carried herself with pride. She always made sure her family had the very best, doing whatever it took to provide and protect those she loved.

Ronnie was the proud and loving mother of four children: Tyhese Matthews, Frances Rowe, Antoine Matthews “Cee,” and Andrew Rowe. To them, she was always simply “Momma.” Her love for her children was unconditional and unwavering.

From her children came a beautiful and growing legacy. Ronnie was the proud grandmother of 25 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. She did not play about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she knew every single one of them and was proud of them all.

From an early age, Ronnie showed leadership, even participating in the Girl Scouts as a young girl. In 1981, she relocated her family to Seattle, Washington, where her grandmother Ada Mae Piper and several of her aunts lived. Seattle became Ronnie’s home for the remainder of her life.

From an early age, Ronnie showed leadership, even participating in the Girl Scouts as a young girl. In 1981, she relocated her family to Seattle, Washington, where her grandmother Ada Mae Piper and several of her aunts lived. Seattle became Ronnie’s home for the remainder of her life.

Ronnie’s kind heart made it easy for her to connect with others. While she had a large family of her own, she also gained an extended family along the way. Her door was always open—literally. Ronnie often left it unlocked so that family members could come and go, knowing they were always welcome.

She was truly the life of the party. Ronnie loved to joke, laugh, sing, and dance. If you knew Ronnie, you knew her favorite artist was Aretha Franklin, and whenever the music played, you could count on Ronnie being on the dance floor.

Family gatherings were some of her greatest joys. Ronnie loved bringing everyone together and cooking for the family, especially seafood—crab being one of her favorites to prepare for everyone.

Ronnie had a heart of gold and was always there for others. But if you wanted to get on Ronnie’s bad side, all you had to do was mess with her family—because she was fiercely protective of those she loved. She was also known for sharing words of wisdom and faith with those around her.

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