Mrs. Minnie A. Fowler

Obituary How do you convey the essence of a life lived for 100 years and 21 days in a few paragraphs? The ups and downs, the love and care I have given and received, the faith that was instilled in me. I was born October 20, 1920 in Toledo, Ohio to David Orange Ford II and Helen Amanda (NEE Parr) Ford. In early childhood I moved to Phoenix, Arizona with my parents and older brother David Orange III. While I was still very young our mother became ill and passed. We were taken by train to be raised by our Aunts Elizabeth Parr and Minnie Parr in Danville, Kentucky. Our father passed a few years later. After graduation from Bate High I attended Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tennessee. While there I met my future husband, William Homer Fowler, Jr. We became the parents of Peggy Elizabeth, William Homer III and Mary Louise Fowler. I was blessed to stay home and raise our children while Homer taught school, repaired radio’s and tv’s and showed movies at the “negro” theater. In 1964 I moved to Detroit, Michigan with my two daughters. My son was in the Army at the time. I enjoyed playing the organ at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church where my sister-in-law Rebecca Ford was an Associate Minister. In my latter years I joined People’s Community Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Martin E. Bolton. I was able to attend services and some of the senior activities until my health began to decline. I had several jobs before I began working for the State of Michigan. I retired in 1985 after many years of service. Family and friends called my Granny, Granny Bug, Ms. Minnie, Mom or Minnie Ha Ha. I loved to cook “real food” and feed my family and friends. I lived independently until the last five years when I was in the home of my daughter Mary and son-in-law Robert. My family would say I was quiet in temperament but would sometimes give advice/instruction in my own fussy but well-meaning way. I strived to instill in my family to do their best and to help each other. I enjoyed many interests, The Kentucky Club, sewing, baseball, listening to music and genealogy. Sometimes I would combine traveling to see family and researching my family tree. I would always collect a small rock from each city I visited. I loved to listen to jazz and spiritual music. The organ was my favorite instrument. Hearing a pipe organ always brought me joy. Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and Sarah Vaughan were some of my favorite artists. In later life I would regularly watch Dr. Phil. Family members that have made their transition before me are my parents and older brother, husbands William H. Fowler Jr. and James L. Curry, grandson Donald McNary Jr., nephew William Ford and his wife Bonnie Ford. Nieces Lydia D. Whitworth, Linda R. Saunders and great nephew Shawn Saunders. Those left to carry on after me are my children: Peggy E. McNary (Donald Sr.) William H. Fowler III (Fannette) and Mary L. Dennis (Robert). Grandchildren: Sandra E. Keith (Roderick), Mary Brewster (Paul), Elizabeth Fowler-Baynes (Kenneth), William H. Fowler IV, Jeremiah O. Fowler, Dionna M. Lloyd (Aaron), Ronald Hester II, Marvin Dennis (Tami), Crashawn Dennis-Walton. Great grandchildren: Andre McNary, Tamara S. McNary, Aaron M. Keith, Breanne E. Keith, Collin J. Keith, Jake W. Hayes, Hayden A. Hayes, Diamond Fowler, William H. Fowler V, Jesiah Fowler, Nina S. Lloyd, Alexandria Hester, Ryan Hester, Cierra Hampton, Kaylynn Walton, Kyra Walton, Brandon D. Dennis, Blair Dennis, Bria Dennis, Tamara Dennis, Elizabeth Dennis, Demitrius Dennis. Great-great grandchildren: A a’Ryah L. McNary and Empress G. Linton. In addition to nephew David Ford (Rinda), niece Helen Lowe, special caregiver Debbie Dennis, and many other relatives and friends too numerous to name. I was blessed to receive and “smell the roses” while I was alive. I had a personal relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I received both Grace and Mercy throughout my life. In Matthew 7:7 Jesus says ask and it will be given to you. My fervent prayer was to live one hundred years. God granted my prayer and twenty-one days more. My earthly assignment has been completed. May God’s blessings be granted to you all. v

Mrs. Minnie A. Fowler

October 20, 1920 - November 10, 2020