Biography: Dorothy (Dot) Mae Fowler was born in Tabor City, North Carolina, on July 18, 1926 to Roscoe (Rossie) and Gertrude Fowler. She was the middle child with an older sister, Virginia, and a younger brother, Howard. Dorothy received Heaven’s Blessing on September 29, 2021, living to the amazing age of 95.
Dot’s parents were also born and raised in North Carolina and were tobacco farmers who through hard work, grit and determination kept their small family fed by growing large vegetable gardens, and raising hogs and chickens. Early on the family lived in a modest hand-built wood house, fueled by fire and cooled by any wind that would come along. At the end of World Ward II, Dot married Grover Robert Fowler, also of the Tabor City area. Soon after they married, Dot and Robert moved to Wilmington, NC where Robert worked at dismantling war ships and Dot worked as a store clerk. Fate shined on them and they became friends with a couple who had family in Arkansas. Encouraged by the stories of life in Arkansas, Dot and Robert moved to Little Rock, far away from tobacco farming and ship dismantling.
After arriving in Little Rock and with very little funds, they quickly found a small apartment on 7th Street in downtown. Dot always proudly shared that they both found work the very first day and they began their life in Little Rock. Over time, they were able to buy a small starter home and begin their family having their first, and only child – Brenda. As Brenda grew up they instilled in her their love of family, a strong work ethic and life-forming values. Dot was a wonderful cook, sharing all kinds of delicious cakes and pies with her family and neighbors. Her favorite color was red and throughout her life she made sure that red was highlighted in her beautiful plants and roses, until one day Robert told her he was not digging any more holes. He was done. Dot and Robert shared 63 wonderful years together before Robert’s passing in 2009. Dot was a 30+year employee of Westinghouse (now Phillips Lighting).
She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Fowler, sisters-in-law, Bernice Fawcett and Alease Fowler, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her parents, Gertrude and Rossie Fowler; her sister, Virginia and brother, Howard, many cousins, brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, not to mention Dot and Robert’s numerous life-long friends.
A visitation and graveside service will be held at Forest Hills Cemetery, 10200 AR-5, Alexander, AR 72002. Visitation begins at Noon on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, with the service immediately following at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN or to the Humane Society of Pulaski County in Little Rock, AR.