Obituary

Mary Madonna Fowler

November 29, 1947 - December 15, 2024

Mary Madonna Fowler, 77 years old and a lifelong resident of Franklinton, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning December 15, 2024 at Fair City Health and Rehab. Madonna loved life and always loved her many cats, dogs, and the numerous plants and flowers she grew. Her greatest loves were her two sons, Neil and Dustin, two daughters in law and her six grandchildren. She attended and graduated from Franklinton High School in 1965. In 1962, as a sophomore, she met and began dating Dennie Fowler at the age of 15 years. She and Dennie dated for seven and a half years and married in 1970. They have been married 54 years. While attending Franklinton High School, she served as class officer each year. Madonna placed first in shorthand, typing and general business while attending the District and State Literary Rally. After high school, she attended Southeastern Louisiana University. Madonna graduated in the top 13 of SLU in 1969 where she was a member of the Thirteen Club. She made all As in her four years at SLU except for 2 Bs in physical education. After college, she began teaching at Bowling Green School in 1969 and taught business courses at BGS for 30 years.

Madonna also enjoyed the Washington Parish Free Fair where she worked on various committees for approximately 40 years. She enjoyed entering her flowers and plants in the Flower House, where she won many blue ribbons. During her many years of volunteering, she received the honor of Washington Parish Free Fair Volunteer of the Year. Madonna was an active member of Hillcrest Baptist Church and served as the first secretary of Hillcrest. She also worked in the nursery and taught children’s Sunday school for many years. She was very community-minded and worked endlessly in researching the origin of the Town of Franklinton. Madonna is solely responsible for the development of and coordinated the placement of the monument for John Bickham, the founder of Franklinton, which is still visible on the left side of the Washington Parish Courthouse Building.

Madonna is survived by: Husband of 54 years: Dennie Fowler of Franklinton; 2 Sons and Daughters in law: Neil and Shannon Fowler, Dustin and Amanda Fowler all of Franklinton; 6 Grandchildren: Brylie, Tryson, Sadie, Lily, Brooks, and Teddy Fowler; Brother and Sister in law: Kerry Foil and Mary Reviere of Baton Rouge

She was preceded in death by her parents Fernie Foil and Fannie Lee Simmons Foil, also her two loving aunts Sadie and Margarite Foil and other family members.

Visitation will be at Hillcrest Baptist Church (2201 Washington Street, Franklinton) on Tuesday December 17th from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm and after 9:00 am on Wednesday. A funeral service will be held in the church at 11:00 am Wednesday with Rev. Dustin Pierce and Dr. Gene Richards officiating. Burial will follow in Ellis Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Stephen Warren, Terry Morgan, Alan Stafford, Ray Williams, Aubrey Posey, Wayne Patterson with all their fellow Deacons of Hillcrest Baptist Church serving as Honorary Pallbearers.

Crain Funeral Home in Franklinton, Louisiana is in charge of arrangements.