Edna Violet Harrington Fowler passed away peacefully on June 3, 2021 at Oak Forest Health and Rehabilitation Center where she had spent the final year and a half of her 96 years. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, George Franklin Fowler in 2004, and each of her four younger siblings, who she loved dearly. Her siblings were Abner C. Harrington of Gastonia, N. C; Bessie Nelle Nelson, of Jacksonville, Florida; Daniel Allwyn Harrington of Asheville, N. C; and Margaret Vista Harrington of Winston-Salem, NC. She is survived by her two children, Jeffrey Bryan Fowler of the home and Beverly Fowler Mitchell and son-in-law Cliff Mitchell of Apex NC; grandchildren, Megan Mitchell Powell of Atlanta and Chad Harrington Mitchell of Asheville. She is also survived by two wonderful sisters-in-law, Iris Fowler Evans of Arnold, Maryland and Naomi Fowler Albertson of High Point, North Carolina. Violet is also survived by many cousins, nephews, and nieces.
Violet was the daughter of Abner Clyde Harrington, Sr. and Edna Jane McLeod, born on December 15, 1924 in Taylorsville, North Carolina where she spent her childhood until she graduated from Taylorsville High School. In high school, she participated in Girls State, a respected and coveted experiential learning program. She spent two years in business school after which she began her first job at the Internal Revenue Service in Winston-Salem. Living at the time in Greensboro, she joined a daily carpool to Winston-Salem. These rides led to her falling in love with George, who rode in the front seat of this carpool to his Winston-Salem job at R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. They were married on October 30, 1949, and they soon joined Augsburg Lutheran Church where they were active members for their entire married life and Violet continued for her lifetime. At Augsburg, she enjoyed many years as a soprano in the chancel choir. Following her initial employment with the IRS, Violet worked in accounting for several Winston-Salem businesses which included the high fashion women’s clothing store, L. Roberts and Quality Oil Company where she handled billing and other financial aspects of the company. At each location, she made cherished friends. Violet had a true gift as a seamstress. She created extraordinary clothes for Beverly and for herself, including copies of designer dresses and tailored blouses, taking cues of style and fabrics from her years at L. Roberts. She even tailored a suit for George, a real feat. She created beautiful clothing and creative Halloween costumes for her beloved grandchildren and some of these creations are stored away as treasures for another generation.
Cooking fabulous meals was one of her true gifts of love. She regularly turned out multicourse favorite dishes for large family gatherings which were delicious and beautifully presented. No person ever walked into her home without being fed a delectable meal which might have included homemade yeast rolls and one of her many melt in your mouth cakes or pies. Many of her personal recipes have been passed down and enjoyed by family and friends, subsequently becoming their own personal favorites. When visiting the Fowler family, a person was always encouraged to take food home with them that could last them for the next few days. An extra special treat to one and all was her pickled okra. Jars of this special Violet recipe were often presented as parting gifts to guests, who gladly took as many as they were offered! Through her food and beautiful dining table, she lovingly offered sustenance and conversation around a dining table, the recipe for the making of a close family. These are but a few memories of this quiet, thoughtful woman who loved her family and friends and would do anything for them. Those who are reading this likely have many more thoughts of the contributions of this wonderful lady. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am Saturday, June 12 at Augsburg Lutheran Church. All are welcome to attend. The wearing of masks are required. The family will receive friends following the service. A committal service will be held at 2:00pm Saturday in Westlawn Gardens of Memory in Clemmons. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in remembrance of Violet H. Fowler to: Augsburg Lutheran Church, 845 West Fifth Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 or
Trellis Supportive Care, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18