Debbie Fowler was a remarkable woman, whose life was a love letter to her husband, children, extended family, and community. Debbie was born on August 10, 1952, in Monticello, AR to the late Luther and Reba Crump Nichols, and grew up alongside her siblings. Her sister/best friend, and cross-stitching partner, Sheila Rogers preceded her in death. Debbie is survived by her younger sister, Tina Puddephatt (Ted) of Monticello, who Debbie mothered and worried over as her own, and her older brother, Don Nichols (Shirley) of Bella Vista.
Debbie graduated from Monticello High School in 1970 and then earned her English degree at UAM. She shared her love of knowledge and reading with countless students, teaching English and Social Studies to high school students in Dermott and then McGehee for over 30 years. Shortly after her retirement from the classroom, she returned to work at the library, first as the branch manager in McGehee and later in collection development at the Southeast Arkansas Regional Library in Monticello. Debbie loved to read and regularly had three to four books in progress at a time. As a child, she also wrote stories which she shared with her best friends Tiny and Suzanne, and she in turn shared stories of their adventures with her children as they grew up. Her love of books and stories live on in her children and grandchildren.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory the love of her life and her husband of 49 years, David ''Moe'' Fowler. Immediately after meeting Debbie in August 1975, David introduced her to his mother as the woman he would marry. Debbie laughed at him then, but just a few months later, on December 21, 1975, they were married in the First United Methodist Church in Monticello. Turns out, David was right, and their marriage has served as beautiful example of love and commitment to their three deeply loved children, who witnessed their parents argue only one time--about the size of a trashcan for the kitchen. Debbie would later say that he was right about one, too.
In every way that matters, Debbie loved her life. She died with few regrets. In her opinion, which she would tell you was the only right opinion, she had the perfect man and lived in the best place. She got to spend her retirement gleefully watching, playing with, and correcting her grandchildren, whom she loved and worried about fiercely. Being DeDe to Abigail and Thomas was the biggest joy of her life. She was able to meet her new bonus grandchildren once before she left us, but we believe she would have grown to love them in her own intense special way that she loves all her children and grandchildren. When the grandkids weren't visiting, she loved quiet, peace, and comfort, and her house had only the coziest furniture. Her children were educated, her husband was kind, and her house was clean just as she liked it. She had the exact life she wanted. She even died as she dictated, in comfort and quickly, surrounded by those she loved.
In addition to her dear David and siblings, Debbie is mourned by daughter Marcie Fowler and wife Tara Streetman and their children Christian and Henry of Boston, MA, her daughter Jamie Wiley, her husband Steven and their children Abigail and Thomas, of East Peoria IL, and her son Nick Fowler and his wife Lisa Brzezinski of Red Oak, TX. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Barbara ''Sissy'' Hicks, and husband Dale, of Dermott, AR, her brothers-in-law James Fowler and Paul Fowler, both of Dermott, AR, several nieces and nephews, and a host of lifelong friends. If your soul guides you, donations in memory of Debbie may be made to the Southeast Arkansas Regional Library, 114 W. Jefferson Ave., Monticello, AR 71655, or to the charity of your choice.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025, at First United Methodist Church in Monticello. There will be a visitation from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Saturday preceding the memorial service at the church. You can sign Debbie's guestbook registry here on this website.
Condolences(8)
Pat Nichols McClain
Mckinney, TX Wednesday, March 12, 2025 Dear David and family,My heart breaks as I get the news about Debbie. I know you are devastated. She was my 1st cousin and my first best friend growing up in Monticello. As we separated into different worlds we lost touch. But in 2020 we got in touch again and we talked on the phone for 2 hours l, (laughing like crazy) over our lives and adventures. It was glorious! She was (and still is as she sits with Jesus in heaven) and will always be a joy in my heart. Love, Pat
Sharon Shook McIntyre
Monticello, AR Tuesday, March 11, 2025 Dear David and Family of Debbie,I can not begin to express the depth of my sadness I feel for all of you. There's so much I want to say but so little space on this page. I am so thankful that God allowed me to be Debbie's friend and classmate. She was a beautiful person inside and out, smart, witty, thoughtful, giving. I am going to miss our talks, lunches, laughs and so many other things too numerous to mention we had over the years. I miss you but know that I will see you again one day my dear friend.
David and family please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that time will help ease your pain.
In Christian Love,
Sharon
Marilyn Weih
Mountain View, AR Tuesday, March 11, 2025 Dear David and family,I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Debbie at the Regional Library. She was so good at her job, so dedicated to finding the right books for our patrons. I could tell that she must have been an awesome teacher. She was so passionate about her subjects. She talked enthusiastically about her family and enjoyed her grandchildren so much. I am glad she was so happy in her retirement and was able to pass on as she wanted. She will be greatly missed by all her friends. I am sorry I cannot make it to the service, but know that I am lifting you all up in prayer and hope that you all are comforted by what I know will be an outpouring of love for you all.
--Marilyn Weih
Tiny and Russ Irons
Fort Worth, TX Tuesday, March 11, 2025 Sending our sympathy, love, and prayers to David and the family. We loved Debbie so much and will miss her so much. So proud to have called her our friend.Jane Jo (Cockrell) Summerford
Monticello, AR Tuesday, March 11, 2025 I can’t look back on my childhood without thinking of Debbie. She was an integral part of it, as was the entire Nichols family. Prayers for your comfort, and I am so glad you will have the memories of the life she shared with you. It will continue to live through you.Dianne Herring
Dermott, AR Tuesday, March 11, 2025 David and family.So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all
Dianne Herring
David and Linda Irons
McGehee, AR Monday, March 10, 2025 Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Debbie’s family and friends. Praying that the memories you have all made with her will comfort you in the days ahead.Tiny and Russ Irons
Fort Worth, TX Monday, March 10, 2025 Sending our sympathy, love, and prayers to David and the family. We loved Debbie so much and will miss her so much. So proud to have called her our friend.