Melma Fowler

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Melma Sue Fowler, of Lockwood, MO, departed this life on Monday, November 9, 2020, at the age of 86.

She was born in New Mexico to Lester and Cora Finley, and was raised in Chowchilla, CA where she graduated from Chowchilla High School. Melma and her predeceased husband, Carlos Fowler, were married for 58 years prior to his demise in 2012. They met at church while she was attending her first year of college. 

Melma later finished her college education after raising her four children. She attended night classes while working as a teacher’s aide, then eventually attending full time to complete her college degree, achieving her lifetime teaching credentials in California.

Melma loved teaching the 4th grade, which was most of her teaching career at the Elementary level. She retired early in 1992 when she and Carlos established themselves as residents of Lockwood, MO for early retirement. They were members of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church where she played the piano at services and enjoyed teaching in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Lester and Cora Finley; her husband, Carlos Fowler; and two brothers, Roy Finley and James Finley.

She is survived by four children, Rosa Lamb, Larry Fowler, Robert Fowler, and Janet Sanchez; eleven grandchildren, Sarah Burgess, Cindy Bright, Timothy Fowler, Andrew Fowler, Melody Long, Justin Fowler, Shane Fowler, Brett Sanchez, Leah Gurnee, Amber Tobler, and Sathya Bush; eighteen great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Marie Brooks and Wanda Stafford.

One of her treasured gifts to her family was that she and her husband Carlos attended every wedding of every grandchild. Melma also made beautiful handmade quilts for every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, in Collins Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Collins Cemetery. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.