Shirley Mae Fowler

Shirley Mae Fowler, a long-time resident of Cornelius, North Carolina, died peacefully in her Lake Norman home Tuesday evening, April 5, 2016. She was surrounded by her loving family, friends and caregivers.

Born in Canton, Ohio, on May 30, 1928, to the late Mr. and Mrs. William Steer, Shirley attended Canton Timken Vocational High School, graduating in 1946. She continued her education at Kent State University, eventually becoming an Ohio Bell supervisor until 1950.

Shirley had a passion for the arts, had a green thumb, loved to birdwatch and later in life enjoyed spending time with her cats, Daisy and Lilly. She was also an avid tennis player at the Virginia Beach Tennis & Racquet Club during the 1990s.

In her later years, she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, making it more difficult for her to enjoy her many passions.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Blair L. Fowler in 1998, and brother, Fred Steer in 1997. She is survived by her three sons, William B. Fowler (Gail) of Strongsville, Ohio, James D. Fowler (Sue) of Guion, Arkansas, Gary R. Fowler (Cathy) of Huntersville, North Carolina, daughter, Jennifer J. Fowler of Cornelius, North Carolina, and sister, Frances June Thomas of Louisville, Ohio.

She also leaves behind six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. A family memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 30, at 10:30 a.m., at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Canton, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, the American Cancer Society or the Cornelius Animal Shelter would be greatly appreciated.

  Friends may offer condolences to the family at www.raymerfh.com.