Gloria Jean Fowler, age 78, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday October 5, 2021 in her Malvern, Arkansas home. Known as Grandma to family and family alike, Gloria made friends everywhere she went and she went many places in her life.

Born in Wilmington California on September 30, 1943, Gloria was the second of five children born to Herman and Evelyn Louise (Robertson) Currington.  Gloria graduated from Banning High School in Wilmington but the real learning happened in the Moose and Elk's lodges and various other dance halls where her father, a musician would perform. There, Gloria learned a love of dance, a no-nonsense attitude and a quick wit.

She married her high school sweetheart, Douglas Boyd Ames in 1960 and together they had three wonderful daughters. Gloria's first marriage would end in divorce, but she found the love of her life, Larry Fowler on the dance floor in Coos Bay, Oregon.   Gloria and Larry loved to cut a rug. They shared 46 years of marriage, and a lifetime of laughs, which Gloria always inspired.

A caretaker at heart, Gloria returned to Arkansas in 1989 to assist her ailing father. She and Larry moved back in 1991 to be near her mother Evelyn Louise, who lived to be 89. Back in Malvern, Gloria went to work for the Arkansas State Insurance Department, where she devoted close to 15 years.

Gloria spent her retirement with Larry on a spread of land they bought, raising cows, sipping Crystal Light and finding creative ways to help all who crossed her path. Gloria opened her home to everyone, but she had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren, great grandchildren and her chihuahuas. Her family will miss her sense of humor, her love of animals, the joy she found in music and dance and her hugs.

Gloria is preceded in death by her daughter, Cathy Laird; brother, Herman Wayne Currington, Jr. and sisters, Annette Brady and Pamela Sugg.

Survivors include husband of 46 years, Larry Fowler of Malvern; daughters, Tracy Gomez of Abilene, TX, Sheryl Ames of Portland, OR; stepdaughters Melissa Dwire of North Bend, OR and Paula Little of Spokane, WA; sister, Dolores Roby of Russellville, AR; and beloved grandchildren Casey, Valarie, Luke, Alexis, Trey, Isaac and Durand.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, November 14 at 2:00pm at Regency Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Children's Hospital.

Arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home.  You may sign the guest book at regencyfuneralhome.com.