Julia Ann Neal Fowler

Julia Ann Neal Fowler, 88, wonderful wife, amazing mother, extraordinary teacher and faithful friend, died on November 6, 2024, at her home in Castlewoods, Mississippi. She is now at rest with her Lord, and has been welcomed with the words "well done, my good and faithful servant."

 Ann Neal was born on February 11, 1936, in Somerville, Tennessee, to Charlie and Johnnie Pattat, humble farmers. The youngest of four children, she was especially close to her dear sister Virginia. Ann Neal enjoyed school, actively participated in church activities, and won several beauty contests. She earned her Bachelors degree from Union University in 1958, and later a Masters in Education. She married Fred Fowler on July 25, 1958, and helped him earn a seminary degree, a few Masters degrees, and a Doctorate of Theology. Education and Christian ministry transformed their lives, and God used their lives to transform others. 

 Ann Neal taught over three decades in public schools and impacted countless young lives through her dedication, encouragement and high standards. Numerous students later thanked Mrs. Fowler for believing in them and challenging them to be their best. Beyond her teaching career, she faithfully served as a Sunday school teacher, missions supporter, ministry leader and busy pastor's wife to Dr. Fred Fowler for most of her life. She had a heart for people and regularly helped those with challenges or difficult circumstances. She was a mentor and friend to many.

 Apart from her trust in Jesus, family to her was most important. She was a loving wife and amazing supportive partner for 66 wonderful years. She demonstrated grace and determination through some difficult days as a pastor's wife. One of her jokes was that she was advised not to marry a farmer, but she did something even more difficult -- she married a preacher. She was also a loving and devoted mother to three sometimes challenging sons, and found great joy in her four grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. Her unconditional love and support shaped many lives, and she helped with the necessary details for numerous business endeavors in her "spare time" from being a mom, teacher and pastor's wife. And she was always ready to help the struggling neighbor or girl in need.

 Ann Neal has been blessed through an extraordinary life of love, service and teaching. Some of her adventures have been trips to Israel, Ireland, Italy, England, France, and numerous amazing places in America from Alaska to Hawaii. She accomplished much and lived an abundant life; remarkable for a girl raised with little but a loving family and a caring church. 

 Ann Neal is survived by her faithful husband, Dr. Fred Fowler, her thankful sons DeVon, Neal and Jody, their wives Lynn and Regina, her grandchildren Kyle, Luke, Justin and Grace, her great-grandchildren Field and Cally, and many extended family members and friends. 

 Celebrate the wonderful and blessed life of Julia Ann Neal Fowler. In Lieu of flowers (and honoring her thriftiness) donations in her memory may be made to Samaritan's Purse (samaritanspurse.org or PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607)