Betty Jean Fowlkes, age 73, of Vandalia, died peacefully Tuesday morning, March 20, 2018 in the comfort of her family’s presence in Lakeland Hospital in Saint Joseph, Michigan.
She was born July 29, 1944 in Dowagiac, Michigan to Joseph and Leona Hawkins. She married Sam Henry Fowlkes III December 24, 1962 in Vandalia, Michigan. He survives.
Betty’ passion was her family, especially her grandchildren. She and her husband never missed a game that they were in. Betty was very giving, often putting her family needs above her own, to make sure that they had what they needed. She had a contagious smile. Her son says, “She’s the greatest mother in the world.” The family teases that she loved her husband Sam and bossed her sisters and brother around. Despite the challenges that she had in her life, even when she received her terminal diagnosis, Betty had a positive attitude. She still was concerned more for her family than for herself. Betty enjoyed sewing and couldn’t wait for summer time so she could go to garage sales. The family is certain Betty and her mom are up in heaven “winning big.”
Betty will be greatly missed by family and friends. She leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy her husband of fifty five years, Sam Fowlkes III of Vandalia; one daughter, Tracy (Solomon) Woods of Vandalia; one son, Sam (Felicia) Fowlkes IV of Niles; granddaughters, Aeja Lee, Arionne Fowlkes, Kenya (Andre’) Fowlkes-Murff, Asia Fowlkes, Tanyae Washington; grandsons, Julius Young, Walter Lee, Jr., Aaron Lee, Malcolm Washington; seven great grandchildren; sisters, Beverly (Jack) Young of Vandalia, Brenda Hawkins-Hannah of Vandalia, Paula Hawkins of Vandalia; one brother, Joseph (Valerie) Hawkins of Vandalia; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; two grandsons, John Young, Jr., Jeremiah Fowlkes; one sister, Barbara Ann O’Brie; and one brother, Donald Eugene Keith.
Family and friends will gather Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 12 Noon in Church of Cassopolis, 520 Pearl Street, Cassopolis, with the Reverend Rayvon Bufkin officiating. Mrs. Fowlkes will be laid to rest in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Cassopolis.
The family prefers contributions be made in Mrs. Fowlkes’ memory to Cass County Cancer Service, Post Office Box 676, Edwardsburg, Michigan 49112.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online.