Iris Jeanette Hobbs Fowler, just having turned 70 years old on August 18th, peacefully passed over to be with her mother, father, and brother (Aliene, Strickland, and Earl Hobbs) on Monday, August 29, 2016 at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care Center. She was a trailblazer for women having served in the US Air Force in the late 60s and becoming a welding instructor at Cape Fear Technical Institute in the 70s where she found her true passion in teaching. She then went on to retire from teaching 7th and 8th grade Algebra and Science after more than 20 years.
She is survived by her daughter, Shari Fowler (with fiancé Mike Heglar) of Wilmington, NC; 2 grandsons, Joshua Fowler of Rocky Point, NC and Benjamin Fowler (with fiancé, Audrie Outlaw) and great-granddaughter, Piper of Lafayette, LA.
She is also survived by her son and daughter-in-law, John (Bryant to family) and Susie Fowler of Leland, NC, and his extended families including multiple step-children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She will be cremated by Coastal Cremations, Inc. and then her ashes will be placed with her parents during a family memorial Celebration of Life ceremony at a later date (TBD).
In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice and/or Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org). Please share memories and Condolences with the Family by clicking on "Share a Memory."
11 Comments
You taught me how to be a strong and independent woman, just as you were. I will honor you by continuing to be so. I love you and will miss you dearly!
Your loving daughter,
~Shari
Shari and Bryant,
I am surely sorry and saddened by Iris Jeanette’s passing. We had some grand times growing up together in Tar Landing. I enjoy recalling the times your granddaddy, Strick, would let us go to the landing with him. We would be down playing by the edge of the sound and we would hear that old black Chevy start up, and we knew he had forgot us again. We would come running, but all we could see would be blue smoke headed up the road. We knew to just wait, because he would back in a few minutes to get us. I know you miss her greatly, but be comforted by knowing that she is now in a better place and she is happy and whole once more. Keep your faith in God, because through Him all things are made great.
I have so many fond memories of my cousin, Iris Jeanette. The many times she took the time to play with me when we were visiting our grandmother. I remember swinging with Iris Jeanette on Grandmothers front porch singing songs she taught me. I remember I was very afraid of her father, Strick, because I always thought he was very strict! I remember her playing house and dress up with me in the barn. Grandmother gave us some of her old dresses. I remember how impressed I was when she went into the Air Force and marveled over her babies, Shari and Bryant. She even tried to teach me to weld, but I caught my pants on fire instead. I was so proud of myself when she told me I had a good bead on my weld! So many memories, and I’m so sad she couldn’t retain all the memories she made. But, she was blessed to have her family near and she’s now with her mother, father and brother. God bless you, Shari, for being there for her and taking such good care of her. You will have a special place in my heart always.
Shari, Bryant, and family, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Jeanette, whom I lovingly called, “Jay”. She was a good woman, an intelligent woman and a true friend. Years have passed since I last saw her, but she always remained in my heart. She was such a giving woman and always made for me on my birthday the best banana pudding from scratch that anyone could ever taste. It would melt in your mouth. We carpooled together and shared much together. I will miss her spirit.
My prayers are with you and the family,
Cathie Brooks
Barbara Hobbs Rochelle
Thank you, Lydia!
Thank you for sharing your memory with us, William!
Thank you for sharing your memories with us, Wanda!
Thank you for sharing your memories with us, Cathie!
Are you still living in the same place?
~Shari
Thank you, Barbara!
Thank you, Calrton and Nancy!
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