Genaria Ruth Fowler

August 25, 1925 - April 8, 2009
Genaria Ruth Fowler

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Genaria Lee Fowler, 83, of Wilmington passed away on 08 April, 2009 at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCareCenter.

She was born on 25 of August 1925 in Fayetteville, NC. Our love for our sweet mother was greater than this world….. She was our loving mother, our confidante and our best friend… Our loss is Heaven’s gain.

Genaria married Willie Fowler in 1940 and moved to Wilmington in 1942 where Willie worked at the Wilmington Shipyard. After the war ended, they co-owned and operated Fowler Wholesale Meat Company until 1991. Genaria was preceded in death by her beloved husband in May of 1998; her sisters Clara Kirkendall and Elva Hair, brothers Blackmon Lee and Eldridge Lee.

Genaria was the oldest daughter of Callus Melancthon Lee and Ardella Hair. Her paternal grandparents were Melancthon Lee and Sarah Elizabeth Baker. Genaria was a direct descendant of Hugh Lee who emigrated from England before 1643 and settled in Charles County, Virginia. The Lees migrated into Johnston County North Carolina in the 1790’s. The Bakers were descended from Highland Scots who settled in Cumberland County in the early 1800’s. Her maternal grandparents were John Thomas Hair and Doshia Ann Draughon. Both families were early settlers of northern Sampson County.

Graveside services will be held at Oleander Memorial Gardens at 2:00 PM Friday. Services will be conducted by the Rev. C.R. Price. The family will greet friends following the service or at the family residence.

Genaria is survived by five sons. Richard of Hampstead, Roger (Jane) of Houston, Texas, Ronnie (Nancy) of Wrightsboro, Raymond and Reggie of Wilmington; 6 grandchildren, Charlotte Hagan of Scotts Hill, Christopher Fowler of Wrightsboro, Fritz and Stanley Fowler of Houston, Texas, Nicole Frost of Austin, Texas and Ronald Rich of Comas, Washington; 2 step-grandchildren; Timothy and Shannon Bennett of Wrightsboro; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Larry Lee of Indiana; 1 half-sister, Elizabeth Fowler of Florida, and 1 half-brother, Clarence Fowler of California.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice for their kindness during a stressful time.

Wilmington Burial and Cremation Service, 1553 S 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


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  • April 10, 2009
    Stanley Outlaw says:
    At a time like this word can't convey what is in my heart. My prayers are with you all. Your mother was a gift from God to us all. There are few people from my youth that effected my life more. She was a friend to my mother when most from the time they both moved to Wilmington now they can renew their friendship in Heaven. Boy's may Jesus be with you and give the comfort only He can give at a time like this.

  • April 10, 2009
    Patricia R. Tomerlin says:
    Richard and Family, Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your wonderful Mother. My thoughts are with you, your brothers and other family members during this time of grief. Love, Patsy

  • April 10, 2009
    Elaine Langlois & Bob Slaughter says:
    Dear Ray & Family We are so sorry to learn of your mother's passing. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts during this difficult time and may you find comfort in knowing that others care. I know she will be missed by many, including Lulu.