Daisy Lee (Smith) Fowler

Daisy Lee Smith Fowler passed away peacefully in her home in Athens, Georgia, on Monday, November 11, 2013. Born June 18, 1925, to the late Edward Arthur Smith and Daisy Lee Blume Smith in Columbia, SC, she attended Dreher High School and the University of South Carolina before meeting the love of her life, Dennis Byars Fowler, with whom she shared almost 67 years of marriage.
Daisy and Dennis were married in Athens, GA, when he was stationed at UGA for pre-flight training. They lived in Greenville, NC, where Dennis was stationed before settling down in Columbia, SC, after the end of World War II. They were transferred to Florence, SC, by Burroughs Corporation in 1951and made a life for their family there.
A member of Florence First Baptist Church for 47 years, Daisy worked with the Nursery programs and made weekly nursing home visits for 21 years with her husband. In retirement, she and Dennis became members and leaders in the Palmetto Civitan Club and its services to those with developmental disabilities.
After working for the University of South Carolina while in school, Daisy became a homemaker and raised her children for a number of years before re-entering the work force to help pay for her children's college educations. She was employed by the South Carolina Employment Security Commission for over 25 years as an employment counselor before her retirement in 1988.
Daisy and Dennis returned to Athens in 1998 to make their final home near their children and to enjoy living and volunteering in the Athens community. They joined Green Acres Baptist Church and volunteered with the Athens Community Council on Aging Senior Center and Meal on Wheels programs for many years. Daisy also enjoyed the Athens Newcomers Club Stitch 'N Chat group and leaves many beautiful examples of her crochet with those she loved.
Daisy was a talented gardener, especially nurturing beautiful azaleas, camellias, and African violets. She loved old-time hymns, was a remarkable seamstress, making all of her own and her daughter's clothes for years, and baked many fine cakes for every occasion. She was a loving and dedicated caregiver to her husband for many years and nurtured her children, nieces and nephews, and neighborhood children with love and kindness.
Daisy was preceded in death by her loving husband Dennis Byars Fowler, her parents, and her son Keith Leroy Fowler. She was the last surviving member of her birth family, preceded in death by her siblings: Virginia Smith, Dorothy (Arthur) Sharpe, Margaret Ann Porter, and Edward (Daphene) Smith. She was also preceded in death by her mother-in-law Virginia Paughnee Fowler, brothers- and sisters-in law Mac Fowler, Harold (Annie Ruth) Fowler, Jim (Bette) Fowler, Ruth (Truman) Ward, Virginia (Bill) Trent, and Ora Gregory, and several nieces and nephews, some of whom were cared for in her home during their childhoods.
She is survived by daughter Kathryn Fowler of Athens, son Gordon Fowler, of Atlanta, and
many beloved nieces and nephews.
The family expresses special thanks to her caring physicians Mark Firth, Kelly Grow, and Jane Huang; and to Sonia Gage, Faye Hopkins, and Tesi Standard for their tender care during the past two years. Gifts would be appreciated to Epworth Children's Home, PO Box 50466, Columbia, SC, 29250; The Lupus Foundation of America, Inc., P.O. Box 418629, Boston, MA, 02241-8629; Athens Community Council on Aging, 135 Hoyt Street, Athens, GA, 30605; or charity of your choice.
Visitation with the family will be held at Lord and Stephens East on Wednesday, November 13, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Full Christian service and burial will follow on Friday, November 15, at Dunbar Funeral Home and Elmwood Cemetery, Columbia, SC.