Carolyn Jeanette Fowler, 87, passed away Thursday, August 8, 2024. Born December 4th, 1936, to Charlie and Iva (Stisher) Gibbs in Holly Pond, AL, she was the oldest of five children.
Jeanette grew up in Birmingham, AL and graduated from Woodlawn High School. She then enrolled at the Baptist Nursing School (now called the Moffett Nursing School, Samford University). In nursing school, she traveled to affiliate training at Massillon, OH, and New Orleans, LA.
She married the boy next door, Jim Fowler. Jim and Jeanette moved around a lot in their younger days before settling down in Huntsville, AL. “Home” included Birmingham, AL; Sugar Grove, WV; and Oak Ridge, TN. Additionally, Jim and Jeanette lived on Kwajalein, Marshall Islands for about 14 years.
While on Kwajalein, a military base, she worked at the “trouble desk” where people called about
problems with their housing. The staff consisted of a Yankee from New Jersey, a Marshallese native, a Hawaiian, a Californian, and a Southerner. They had all the language accents covered. Jeanette also learned to play golf while on Kwajalein. There is an unverified story that she played a round of golf with the famous golfer, V. J. Singh. Vijay Singh is a common name in India, so this might have been a businessman working for the Marshallese.
While living in Huntsville, Jeanette was active in church and the lives of her grandchildren. One of Jeanette’s endearing qualities is that whether she knew you or not, she would meet you with a smile and a greeting. She loved to share stories with friends and family.
In 2016, Jeanette suffered a severe stroke. She spent eight years with deteriorating physical and mental health. However, she courageously hung on and kept fighting through what was a depressing and tiring battle. How she did it, only the good Lord knows. She is finally at peace with Him.
She was preceded in death by brothers, Wade Gibbs and Doug Gibbs. Jeanette is survived by her husband of 66 years, Jim Fowler; sons, Edward Fowler (Sherri Startup), and Steven Fowler (Natasha); grandchildren, Aaron (Jordan), Emily, Noah (Katie), Isaiah, Victoria and Artem; her brother, Charles Gibbs; and sister, Patricia Sulser.
Visitation will be Tuesday, August 13, 2024, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm and Wednesday, August 14, 2024, from 10:00 – 11:00 am at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. A service will follow the visitation on Wednesday at 11:00 am. Burial will be on Wednesday at 2:00 pm in Holly Pond Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lincoln Village Ministries, 1110 Meridian Street N, Huntsville, AL 35801.
