Shirley A. Fowler

Shirley Ann (Payne) Fowler, 88, of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025. Born on March 18, 1937, in Cyril, Oklahoma, Shirley lived a full and joyous life defined by faith, family, hard work, and love.

Over the years, Shirley’s dynamic career path included work at Mac’s Chicken Shack, NAS Kingsville, NASA, Exxon, and as the proud owner of a Merle Norman cosmetics shop. A woman of both grace and grit (her 5 sons will attest), she balanced her professional life with her passions for painting, gardening, playing card games, and cheering on her cherished Dallas Cowboys. Shirley loved to sing and was a member of Sweet Adelines in Corpus Christi for a number of years. A devoted Christian, Shirley served faithfully at River Hills Baptist Church in Calallen, where she joyfully organized the church’s beloved annual High Tea.

Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, J.L. (Jadie) Fowler. 

Together, they built a blended family filled with love, raising five sons: Bud Dunphy (Sandi), Len Dunphy (Beth), Herb Dunphy (Shelley), Jim Fowler (Tammy), and Tim Fowler (Diane).

She is also survived by her sister, Lois Conner, along with numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who brought her immeasurable joy and pride.

Funeral services will be held on October 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Chamberlain Cemetery in Kingsville, Texas, officiated by Bubba Stahl of Kingsville First Baptist Church. Closing reflections will include Psalm 23.