Lula "Anne" Fowler

It is with heavy hearts and profound appreciation for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Lula "Anne" Fowler, who left us peacefully in her sleep on April 25, 2026. Born on March 13, 1940, in the warm embrace of Georgia, Anne lived a life that touched many with her kindness, creativity, and unwavering spirit. Anne was the cherished daughter of Glenn Nunn and Lera "Judy" Rhodes, who predeceased her, along with her beloved brother, Wayne Nunn, and her devoted husband of over 20 years, John C. Fowler. She is survived by her loving daughter, Maria "Michelle" Fowler, her treasured granddaughter, Glory Anna Cornelius, and her great-grandchildren, Maybelle Sue Ford and Quentin Lee Ford. Anne's legacy also lives on through her dear friend and co-worker, Paul Lynn Brumfield, and her wonderful neighbors, Marc and Susan Smith, who were like family to her. She held a special place in the hearts of Sue Dalton, Brenda and Dickie, and so many others who were blessed to know her. Anne's journey through life was marked by her dedication to education and her passion for the arts. A proud graduate of Concord High School, Anne pursued her love of learning at Appalachian State University, where she earned her degree in Education and met her future husband, John Fowler. She furthered her education with a Master's degree from Lynchburg College, where she was fond of her time in the college library's Work/Study program. Anne devoted over 20 years to shaping young minds with the Pittsylvania County School system, leaving a lasting impact on her students. A woman of many talents, Anne was a scout leader with the Girl Scouts of America and had a vibrant presence in the community theatre scene in Chatham, VA. She first caught the "acting bug" in a production of "Oklahoma," while a student at Concord High school in Concord, NC. She and her daughter were in the Bicentennial play in 1976 in Chatham, VA and, for the next 4 years appeared in productions of "Harvey," "Arsenic and Old Lace," and "Bus Stop." Anne's love for the arts extended to her co-directing a Community Talent Show, where she forged lifelong friendships with fellow enthusiasts such as Debbie Thompson, Bruce and Katie Elliot, Hardwick Spencer, and Faye Quarells, and many others. Anne's love for music was as deep as her love for the theatre. A passionate supporter of bluegrass and acoustic music, she volunteered at MerleFest and attended countless festivals from West Virginia to Georgia. Her gardens, always bountiful with fresh vegetables, were a testament to her love for nature and the simple joys of life. Anne was a free spirit who lived for today, finding beauty in the mountains around Boone, NC, and relishing in the community she fostered in the parking lot of Foodlion, coffee in hand, beneath the beautiful sky. Her family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to local humane society, and all are encouraged to support and attend live bluegrass performances, as Anne's love for animals and music was boundless. A community gathering will be organized to celebrate Anne’s joyful life. Flyers will be posted around town, and as Anne herself would say, "YA'LL COME!!!" In honoring Anne's life, we remember a woman who embraced love, laughter, and the arts with open arms. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she touched, and her legacy is a testament to a life lived with grace, kindness, and an enduring zest for life.