Ella LeJoyce Fowler

Ella LeJoyce Fowler transitioned peacefully on July 5, 2023 at the age of 83, after a courageous journey with her health.

She entered the world as Ella LeJoyce Sojourner, when in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on October 12, 1939, she was the first of six siblings born to Ara Mae Fenner-Sojourner and Willie Thomas Sojourner.

Joyce’s earliest memories of childhood include walking across a plank to reach roads without sidewalks, a reflection of her humble beginnings.  Joyce moved with her mother and sister Lois to Akron, Ohio in 1943, when her father worked for Firestone Tire & Rubber. Having been enrolled in an early education program in Mississippi, Joyce enrolled in Akron Public Schools in second grade, attending Goodrich Elementary School and Central High School before graduating from John R. Buchtel High School in 1957.

A year later, Joyce graduated from the Akron School of Practical Nursing in 1958 and began her career at Barberton Citizen’s Hospital as an OB/GYN nurse. Three years later,   she met and married the love of her life—Ronald Joseph Fowler—on December 17,  Together, the Fowlers moved to Detroit where Ronald worked in Detroit Public Schools and Joyce served Ford Hospital in its first Intensive Care Unit in the hospital’s history. Joyce later worked for Women’s Hospital, where her first child, Cynthia Deanne Fowler was born.

In August 1963, the Fowlers moved to Anderson, Indiana where Ronald attended the Anderson University School of Theology.  While in Anderson, Joyce worked for Community Hospital and Dr. Bridge’s Medical Office and was selected, once again, to work in the hospital’s new Intensive Care Unit.  While in Indiana, Joyce and Ronald welcomed their second child, Christine Denise Fowler, in 1965.

In 1966, Joyce moved with her family back to Akron, Ohio where Ronald served as Youth Pastor at Robert Street Church of God, and where Joyce continued her nursing career with City Hospital, now Summa Hospital.  Their family was made complete when Joyce and Ronald welcomed a third child—their beloved son, Ronald Fowler, II on September 5, 1968.

Ella LeJoyce continued to develop herself professionally, graduating from the Ida Bell Firestone School of Nursing in Akron, Ohio, and becoming a Registered Nurse in 1976. Faith and family were central to Ella’s joy, passion and purpose, having worshipped under the pastoral leadership of Dr. James Earl Massey at Metropolitan Church of God in Detroit, Michigan and under Reverend Dr. Edward L. Foggs, Senior Pastor, at Sherman Street Church of God, in Anderson, Indiana.

Wherever she lived, Joyce was actively engaged in the life and work of the church, serving over the years as a member of the church choir, as a Sunday School teacher, as a member of the Medical Board and Deaconate Board for the Arlington Church of God where, for 39 years, from 1969-2008, she was First Lady of the church.  Known for approaching her role humbly with distinct style, class, and grace, Joyce was a listening ear and prayer-partner for countless parishioners who sought out her kind, caring, and optimistic view of God’s faithfulness in times of need.

A devoted and loving mother to her three biological children, Joyce regularly attended school programs, athletic competitions social activities for each of them, and was known throughout their school years as an unashamedly biased supporter of her children. This was most evident in her response to referee calls that did not favor her children’s engagement in sports competitions. Joyce’s second child, whom she affectionately called “Chris-Dog” during athletic events, fondly recalls going into the stands to assure her mother the referee had made the right call, just so she could enjoy the second half of the game!

A devoted mother, Joyce remained in close contact and kept abreast of major life-events, challenges, accomplishments, and aspirations of each of her three children and their families, all of whom cherish having been seen, heard, and unconditionally loved by their mother.

Joyce was also an adopted mother and mentor to countless other young women, including Florence Lewis, to whom Joyce expanded her heart and opened her home when Florence became another daughter.

Joyce’s love, devotion, and commitment to her family intensified as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived. And while her love for her children, siblings, extended family, and friends, was evident throughout her life, it was her husband Ronald who was clearly the apple of her eye!  Together, they enjoyed 62 wonderful years of companionship, friendship and marriage, traveling the world together and supporting each other through celebrations and challenges, through sickness and good health—a true-life love story that gave countless observers hope.

Joyce is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Ronald J. Fowler of Akron, Ohio; by her children:  Cynthia Fowler Starks (Travis) of Columbus, Ohio, Christine Fowler Mack (Quintero) of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Ron Fowler II (Kishna) of Akron, Ohio ; and Bonus-daughter Florence Roebuck (Ralph);  by grandchildren Brooke Alyssa Fowler, Devin Starks (Blanca), Tyler Joseph Starks, Kyndall Joy Mack, and Kyle Jordan Mack; by great-grandchildren Braiden Harper, Nasir Starks, and Aria Isabel Starks; her siblings: Lois Sojourner, Annie Sojourner, Dan Sojourner (Lenda) of Akron, Ohio; and her beloved baby brother Arnold Sojourner (Elizabeth) of Chicago, Illinois; Sister in Law: Reba Fowler of Akron, Ohio, Ivorie Jean Fowler of Florida and Francis Fowler of Las Vegas, Nevada;  God-Children: Harry Scott Rogers (Monica), Libby Lee (Erwin) , Shannon Dulin, and Marvin Montgomery Jr.; Beloved friends:  Barbara Jones, Beverly Saunders, and Tiajuana Robinson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ella LeJoyce Fowler was predeceased by her parents Willie T. Sojourner and Ara Mae Sojourner; her brother Fred Sojourner; her Sister-In-Law:  Mabel Robinson, Cleo Patra Myricks, Margaret Ann Chambliss, LaJuana Josephine Fowler; Brothers-In-Law: Moses Thomas Fowler, Mark Anthony Fowler, Robert Lee Fowler Jr., Russell Clayton Fowler and Kenneth Alvin Fowler; and Grandchild: James Law.

Asked once to describe Joyce, Dr. Ronald J. Fowler described his loving wife as:

A faithful servant; A contagious witness; A committed partner; An engaging disciple; A true friend; A classy Lady; A competent nurse; A nurturing mother; A wise counselor; A great listener; A forgiving person; An incredible gift from God; My proud wife; My closest friend; My best decision!

Viewing and visitation will be Thursday, July 13, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Arlington Church of God (539 S. Arlington St., Akron, OH 44306), with a Homegoing Celebration on Friday, July 14, 2023, with viewing at 10 AM and services at 11 AM.

Interment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery (10175 Rawiga Rd. Seville, Ohio 44273) immediately following the Friday service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: The Joyce Fowler Memorial Fund: www.akroncf.org/give/FowlerMemorialFund