Naomi Jean Fowler

Naomi was born November 9, 1926 in Springfield, the daughter of Frank Aaron and Blanche Maddison Auten. She married Robert Charles Fowler on April 8, 1950 at MacMurray College in Jacksonville; he preceded her in death on August 10, 1992.

Naomi graduated from Springfield High School. She attended MacMurray College and received her masters degree from the University of IllinoisSpringfield. She worked for Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) as an administrator, retiring in 1995 after 15 years of service. Naomi also served as State Director for Elderhostel (Road Scholar) while working at LLCC and founded the Academy of Lifelong Learning at LLCC. She was a member of Laurel United Methodist Church, Island Bay Yacht Club, Kings Daughters (Margaret Garfield Circle), the Illinois Governors Council on Aging, and was a 2003 Illinois Department on Aging Hall of Fame Inductee. She also served on various boards for the Alzheimers Association, International Commission, and Senior Citizens of Sangamon County. In her free time, Naomi loved traveling and spending time with her family.

Naomi was also preceded in death by her parents; brother, Denzil Auten; and companion, Ray Case.

She is survived by her sons, David C. (Lisa) Fowler of Springfield and Richard L. (Lucienne) Fowler of Acworth, GA; 13 grandchildren, James B. Fowler of Atlanta, GA, Melissa Coello of Carterville, IL, Reggie Fowler of Kansas City, MO, Talitha Seibel, Hannah Preston, and Nathan Fowler, all of Atlanta, GA, Isaac Fowler of Nashville, TN, Stephan Fowler, Naomi June Hopkins, Robert I. Fowler, and Melissa Kemp, all of Atlanta, GA, Kate Marley of Springfield, IL, and Rose Tatge of Chatham, IL; and 40 great-grandchildren, including one on the way.

Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 South Grand Ave. West, Springfield. A Funeral Ceremony will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Kent Lolling officiating.

Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 South Grand Ave. West, Springfield, IL 62704.