Gloria Rowell

Gloria "Gina" Jean Rowell, 67, danced her way into Heaven on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Bridgeport Hospital.

Gina was born in Milford, Connecticut, to the late Margaret G. Wallace and Clyde Rowell. She lived in Milford until the age of five, when her family moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut, where she was raised and spent most of her life. She was a graduate of Warren G. Harding High School in 1977. Shortly after, she went on to business school, driven by a desire to build a meaningful career and create a beautiful life for herself and her family. She held a variety of positions throughout her career, beginning as an administrative assistant and later working as a home health aide.

Gina was an energetic, radiant, and beautiful soul whose presence brought love, laughter, and positivity wherever she went. From childhood, she carried a natural passion for cooking and dancing—two joys that stayed with her throughout her life. She was the life of any room she entered, and if no one else was dancing, she was always the one to start and pull everyone else in with her. Her soulful cooking brought family and friends together time and again, filling her table with laughter and connection. Feeding people and caring for them was simply one of the many ways she showed her love.

To many, Gina was affectionately known as "Mama G" by her Birch Drive Crew, where, as a hardworking single mother, she raised her children to be strong, respectful, and successful men. She was a mother not only to her four sons, but to their friends, her own friends, and countless others in her community. She became a source of comfort and love for so many, and her home—like her heart—was always open. She welcomed everyone as they were, never hesitating to offer a meal, a listening ear, a warm embrace, a prayer or a word of wisdom.

Gina was a faithful servant to God. Her selfless dedication, love for God, and commitment to others left a lasting legacy that will forever be remembered and cherished.

She is survived by her sons, James Pettway, Demetrius Pettway (Tomasita Pettway), Travis Rowell, and Terrell Rowell; her grandchildren, Aniyah Pettway, Travis Rowell Jr., Demetrius Pettway Jr., Tatyanna Pettway, Isabella Pettway, Milan Rowell, Zaila Pettway, and Maliyah Rowell; and her great-granddaughter, Nala Davis. She is also survived by her sisters, Barbara Danzy and Margaret Wallace; her brother, Robert Johnson; and many dear nieces and nephews. Gloria was preceded in death by her brother, Craig Rowell.

Family was her pride and joy, and she was happiest surrounded by the people she loved. Though she has taken her final steps from this earthly life, Gina's spirit will continue to dance in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.