Jessie Frances Sowder

On Saturday, June 13, 2026, Jessie Frances Sowder (nee Riddle) went home to be with the Lord. She was the beloved wife of Charles Sowder for 67 years; loving mother of Ed Sowder (Bernadette); cherished grandmother of Kyle Sowder (Amanda) and Grant Sowder (Lauren); dear sister of Thanna, Judy, and Christine; sister-in-law of Rosie Sowder Cully; survived by a host of nieces, nephews and other extended family. Jessie was preceded in death by her parents Francis W. Riddle and Leatha McIntosh Riddle; her sister and brother-in-law: Shirley and George Linville; her four brothers, Jimmie, Leroy, Bennie, Gary and her two brothers-in-law Bobby Joe Smith and Johnny Lee Humphrey. The family would like to thank the Staff at Windsor of Celebration and Advent Health Hospice for the love and care provided in Jessie’s final days.

Family was the greatest blessing of her life, and there was nothing she treasured more than the people she loved. Guided by a steadfast faith in the Lord, Jessie lived a life rooted in kindness, generosity, and service to others. She faithfully served at White Marsh Baptist Church, helping count the weekly offerings, but her ministry extended far beyond the church walls. She shared her gifts freely, whether through her time, her resources, a listening ear, or a warm meal. As a Mom-Mom, she was simply extraordinary. She was there to welcome her grandsons into the world and remained a constant source of love, encouragement, and comfort throughout their lives. Some of her happiest memories were made on family trips to North Carolina, where she delighted in visiting relatives and gathering with loved ones at family reunions. She understood that life's greatest treasures were not things, but the moments spent together, and she worked tirelessly to create those memories for the people she loved, especially Kyle and Grant.

Jessie brought joy wherever she went. Blessed with a quick wit and a playful sense of humor inherited from her beloved father, she could brighten any room with a joke, a teasing remark, or a perfectly timed laugh. She found happiness in the simple things: enjoying Chick-fil-A several times a week, treating herself to mani-pedi dates with her daughter-in-law, always choosing a little sparkle for her nails, and listening to the old country and bluegrass music she loved so much. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and love, where carrot cakes, German chocolate cakes, homemade peanut butter balls, and strawberry jam were made not just with skill, but with a heart devoted to caring for others. No one ever walked out of her house empty-handed or hungry, whether they thought they needed a snack or not. In her younger years, she enjoyed duckpin bowling, and later became a formidable cornhole player, always bringing enthusiasm and good humor to the game.

Though her family’s hearts are heavy with her absence, they find comfort in knowing that her love remains woven into the fabric of their lives. They will see her in every family gathering, hear her in every shared laugh, and remember her whenever a favorite recipe is passed around the table. Her faith was her foundation, her family was her pride and joy, and her legacy is one of unwavering love, generosity, laughter, and grace. She was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

The family will receive friends in the Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley, Inc., 10 W. Padonia Road (at York Road) Timonium, Maryland 21093 on Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 10 AM until 1 PM at which time a Celebration of Life Service will begin.

Interment to follow at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens.

If you do not wish to send a flower, please consider donating to the Dementia Society of America in memory of Jessie. https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate