Mollie L. Fowlkes' Obituary
Mollie Patricia LaFevor Fowlkes passed from this life to be restored and welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus November 23, 2025. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years David Sewell Fowlkes; two devoted children: William Lee Fowlkes (Ashley) and Pam Fowlkes Coggin (Lincoln); her dear sister Mabel Jordan (Mike) and sister-in-law Billie Robinson; and a set of grandchildren whose hearts she held close: Seth Coggin (Kristina), Zane Coggin (Ally), Jaycie Birdwell (Braden), Hannah Fowlkes, and Will Fowlkes. She was loved as well by a host of extended family members (nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and one great-grand niece) plus a multitude of close friends in Tennessee, Oklahoma, and beyond, including those closely connected through the tradition of Cumberland Mountain State Park, church fellowships (Grace Avenue Church of Christ, Riverwood Church of Christ), and Shaklee.
Mollie was born December 8, 1944, in Nashville (TN) to Hilda Charlene Sievers and William “Bill” Lee LaFevor, who preceded her in death. She lived all of her childhood and teen years on Shelton Avenue with her beloved sister and lifelong friend, Mabel. With only one car and living in a small 2-bedroom house, this close-knit family went everywhere together.
After graduating from Litton High School in 1962, she attended Harding University (Searcy, AR), where she earned an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education (1966). Following graduation, she moved back to Nashville, where she eventually met and married David June 28, 1968, at West End Church of Christ.
While Mollie used her degree only a short time before becoming a full-time mom, she taught thousands of creative, interactive Bible lessons to hundreds of children at Riverwood Church of Christ. She coordinated countless Vacation Bible Schools, taught Inner City Nashville classes, and organized many preschool activities. She was the queen of creating visual aids and writing curriculum and loved the children she taught. “Miss Mollie” was adored by many.
Mollie was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She worked beside David at every step of his career and was instrumental in helping organize and grow the Shaklee business they launched in 1973. She lovingly raised Lee and Pam, encouraging all of their endeavors. She was a gentle, deliberate, and patient mom, who became a thoughtful, caring mother-in-law, and in time a doting, tireless, and perfect “Nannie.” She loved spending time with grandkids, reading to them (especially A Squirrel’s Tale), playing with them, and keeping up with all of their activities. She knew their favorite foods and delighted everyone on holidays and birthdays, cooking delicious meals and desserts at each gathering.
Mollie was funny and clever. She loved reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, and completing crossword puzzles. She was a great conversationalist who welcomed everyone she met with a smile. She was the consummate hostess, entertaining many guests in her home through the years. A faithful, beautiful Christian woman, Mollie embodied every good thing. Her greatest legacy is carried in the lives of those who loved her and all that were blessed to be shaped by her example.
Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216, 615-865-1101, https://www.springhillfh.com.
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