Dorothy Gross Fowler

Dorothy Marie Gross Fowler of the Rich Community near Brinkley passed away December 28, 2024 at the age of 85. She was born December 15, 1939 in Brinkley and was the sixth of seven children born to Perry Allen Gross Sr. and Amanda Viola Reynolds Gross. She attended Brinkley Public Schools, and later continued her education pursuing her passion for cosmetology at Forrest City Beauty College.
On November 12, 1955, she married the love of her life, Edgar Alex Fowler. They made their home in the Rich Community. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love and commitment. Over the course of 69 years, Dorothy took immense pride in her role as a devoted wife, and nurturing mother. She is lovingly known as “Nanny Dot” to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Her family was her greatest cherished treasure, and she poured her heart and soul into creating a warm and welcoming home for all.
For 30 years, she put her cosmetology degree to work and ran her own shop out of her family home, where she also found great joy in supporting Edgar in their life of farming. After retiring, she and Edgar shared full time labor on the farm. From early Spring through Fall, she would be found preparing fields for planting, tending crops and harvesting alongside her husband. Dorothy embodied the values of hard work and commitment that defined her life.
Dorothy’s faith was a cornerstone of her life, and in April of 1963, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior. Her unwavering belief in God guided her actions and provided her strength and comfort throughout the years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Perry Allen Gross Sr. and Viola Amanda Reynolds Gross; son-in-law, Tim Culp; siblings, Perry Gross Jr., Wayne Gross, Larry Gross, Peggy Bradley and Virginia Uchansky. She was survived by her husband, Edgar A. Fowler; a son, Michael (Shirley) Fowler of Moro; two daughters, Glenda Fowler (Steve) of Rich and Deana Cupp of Monroe; grandchildren, Patrick Fowler, Jeremy Fowler, Kaylynn Mason, Wayne Caldwell Jr., Clint Caldwell, and Allie Jones; 23 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Anna Lee Rigdon of Oklahoma; and a host of extended family and friends.
Funeral services were Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at the Brinkley First Baptist Church. Burial was in Upper Cemetery at Rich. Arrangements were by Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home in Brinkley.