Mrs. Barbara Ann Fowler

Mrs. Barbara Ann Fowler, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Riverside Health and Rehab. She was born on October 22, 1937, in Thomaston, Georgia, to Wilson Howard and Gladys Reeves Bland, who preceded her in death. Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Carter Childs "Chick" Fowler, Jr. and the devoted mother of the late Karen Piper. Her brother, Donald Howard and her niece, Donna Worshum also preceded her in death. Her legacy will forever be honored by her surviving family, including her granddaughter, Kristen (Rebecca) Bartley; grandson, Cody Piper; five great-grandchildren; nephew, Scott Howard; and her special friend, Nan (David) Wilson.

Barbara dedicated 40 years of her professional life to the William Carter Company as an expeditor, where her keen eye for detail and commitment to excellence earned her esteemed recognition among her colleagues. After her retirement, she continued to bring joy to others through her work at Vicki's Cake Shop and at Northside Drugs.

A remarkable athlete, Barbara was a proud graduate of R.E. Lee Institute, where she not only excelled academically but also shone as a sportswoman. Graduating in 1956, she was a four-year letterman and three-year starter on the basketball team, leading the Lady Rebels to a Region 1AA championship and a second-place finish in the State AA tournament in 1954. Her exceptional skills on the court were recognized with the title of Most Outstanding Player following the 1956 season. As a testament to her prowess, she was invited to join two semi-pro basketball teams in Atlanta. Jim Cavan, her coach at Lee, famously remarked that she was "the greatest basketball player he ever coached."

Barbara's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was an active member of Emory's Chapel Baptist Church, where she served as Choir Director, lending her voice and leadership to the church community. In recognition of her significant contributions to local sports, Barbara was inducted into the Thomaston-Upson Sports Hall of Fame in 2007—a proud moment reflecting her impact on the community she loved.

Her family and friends will gather to honor her memory with a funeral service on Friday, June 6, at 4:00 PM, in the Chapel of Fletcher-Day Funeral Home. Rev. David Dawson will officiate, and interment will follow at Emory's Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3:00 until 4:00 PM on Friday at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home. 

Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Mrs. Fowler to Emory's Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery, at 2 Emory Chapel Road, Thomaston, GA 30286.

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.