Eleanor Elaine Fowler
June 22, 1940 - December 12, 2021 (Age 81)
Eleanor Elaine Fowler, 81, of Matthews, died peacefully at her home on Sunday, December 12, 2021.
Eleanor was born in Central Station, West Virginia, on June 22, 1940, the daughter of Glenn Wilson and Helen Gatrell James. She lived for many years in the Akron, Ohio, area, attending the University of Akron on a scholarship. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in education. Eleanor went on to work in elementary and junior high as a reading teacher. She met Gaylon Miles Fowler on a blind date setup by Gaylon’s brother. They went to a bowling alley, hit it off, and on June 18, 1960, they were married in Akron, Ohio. He preceded her in death on July 19, 2010, after celebrating 50 years of marriage.
She later went on to work in accounting for Roadway Express. She retired from Roadway and in 1988, they moved to Hickory, North Carolina. In 1996, they moved to Matthews, North Carolina.
Eleanor enjoyed all sorts of needlework, especially quilting. She was also proud of her college scholarship and spent her years after graduation proudly supporting women’s rights, public education, public libraries and her alma mater of Akron. Most of all, she was proud of her family and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Eleanor is survived by her daughter, Sherri (husband Michael) Thomas of Monroe, NC; a son Michael (wife Brenda) Fowler of Akron, Ohio; three grandchildren: Rachel Williams, Tim Fowler and Christina Burnaby; a great grandchild, Landon Williams; and her brothers: Donald “Brent” James, Robert “Bob” James, Feldon “Butch” James. Eleanor is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Eleanor’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for her and for them. Services will take place on Friday, December 17, at Mt Lebanon Baptist Church, 6335 Wilson Grove Road, Charlotte, NC 28227. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm with services led by Pastor Joe Mullis to follow at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens.