Virginia Fowler

Clara Virginia Sanders Fowler, 83, a resident of White Oak Estates in Spartanburg, formerly of 206 Grambling Ferry Road, died on Wednesday, June 18, 2008.

"Aunt Jimmie" to many, she was born in Cherokee County on March 1, 1925, the youngest child of the late Lewis Hartwell Sanders and Ida Louise Horne Sanders. She was the widow of William Roy Fowler Sr., to whom she was married for 64 years. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Mrs. Fowler graduated from Gaffney High School, and after marrying and having five children, attended Limestone College from which she received a B.A. degree in Elementary Education. She then taught in the Cherokee County schools for more than 25 years until she retired. Her love for learning and the hardships in learning she encountered as a child made her a very good and well respected teacher.

Her hobbies included music, reading and gathering genealogy on both her family and the family of her husband. She was well known and sought out by many for the information she had gathered over many years.

Survivors include two sons, Cliff Fowler and wife, Lisa Sanders Fowler, and William R. (Billy) Fowler Jr., all of Gaffney; three daughters, Linda Fowler Harris and husband, Woody Harris, of Gaffney, Debbie Fowler Brazee and husband, Dr. Jason Brazee, of Kingsport, Tenn., and Sandra Jean Fowler of Skylyn Place, Spartanburg; 11 grandchildren, Jacob Brazee, Sarah Brazee, Leah Brazee, Cailey Brazee, Carole Rice Hill, Nicole Rice Tallon, Mandy Fowler, Sally Ann Fowler, William R. Fowler III, Kinsey Fowler Truesdale and Melissa Upchurch Fowler; six great-grandchildren, Nolan Hill, T.J. Hill, Anna Kate Tallon, Devin Fowler, Jordan Fowler and Jada Truesdale; a step-greatgrandson, Matthew Smith; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by five sisters and four brothers.

The family will receive friends Friday, June 20, from 1-2 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Services will follow at 2 p.m. with Bishop Manfred Martin officiating. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be made to Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 1886, Gaffney, S.C. 29342; or Family History Center, c/o The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 701 W. Buford St., Gaffney, S.C. 29340.

Family members are at their respective homes.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome. com.