Zalia Fowler

Mrs. Zalia Carowan Fowler passed from this life at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 while a resident of GrayBrier Nursing and Retirement Home in Trinity, NC. A lifelong resident of High Point, Zalia Fowler was born in Pantego, NC on November 17, 1922. She was one of five children; her only living sibling is her sister, Mrs. Etta Buckman of Washington, NC. Her husband, Odell G. Fowler precedes her in death. The Fowlers had two children, both surviving, Mrs. Zalia Fowler Welborn of Archdale and Mr. Grayson Fowler of Washington, DC. She also has four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Mrs. Fowler was a member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church for the past sixty five years, and served in many service roles there from usher to a member of the Stephen’s Ministry program. She served as a Church Visitor to the elderly and shut in congregation for twenty five years. Mrs. Fowler also served on the Wesley Memorial Older Adult Council and was a Hostess of dining events of the church. She was dedicated to the service of our community, her church, and her many friends. She was also a member of the High Point Regional Hospital Guild.

Well known throughout Guilford County for her forty years of professional service to both High Point City and Guilford County Schools, Mrs. Fowler was the recipient of numerous awards and service recognitions, including the Delta Kappa Gamma honorary teaching society. She was among the first teachers to become certified for the Special Education Program in North Carolina, and served in the special Virginia Armfield School program in the High Point City Schools sponsored by the Junior League. In 1972, she was designated as one of six Special Reading Teachers in Guilford County. Later, she was also recognized as a Parent Educator for all Title 1 students in High Point. Generations of High Point residents were the beneficiaries of her dedicated service as a teacher. She loved her profession and cherished children. Truly a remarkable professional is rare to find in any occupation.

She earned teaching credentials from East Carolina University and a Master of Education from UNC-G. Additionally, she simply loved Carolina basketball and the Atlanta Braves baseball! A proud and proper traditional lady she was quick to excuse herself when “the Braves were playing!” She loved her vocation, her church, her friends, and especially her family. Her warming smile will be missed by many here and will warm the reaches of heaven. “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 Praise God for the life of Zalia Carowan Fowler. Join us for a celebration of her life this Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 2 p.m. at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends following the service in the Asbury Room.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the church,

1225 Chestnut Street, High Point, NC 27262 or a charity of your choice.