Wanda Jean Fowler

Wanda Jean Fowler, 88, of Anadarko, Oklahoma gained her angel wings on December 29, 2021, surrounded by her loved ones. Jean was born on June 2, 1933 to LaVienna and Owen Head.
She loved talking about growing up in Anadarko, telling stories of skating downtown, working her first jobs at the Anadarko Greenhouse and the local movie theaters. Jean talked about being a Harvest Festival Contestant and a Rainbow Girl. She loved being in the high school band where she played the saxophone, often talking about Snake Dancing through town to the football games and seeing gypsies in the park. Anadarko was always home to Jean.
On August 29, 1949, Jean married George Stephens of Gracemont, they lived on the family farm as they began their life together. The union of Jean and George was blessed with four children; Randy, Gary, Brett, and Verdana. Their adventure would take them many places including Texas, where Jean was proud to attend Texas Tech for a period. Looking for work and a place to call home, Jean and George traveled to New Mexico and California, before eventually settling down in Colorado.
While in Colorado Jean was proud to be a part of the Colorado Meat Cutter's Union. She also loved being a part of the Colorado Tote Gote association and attending the many meets. Jean had a love for flowers and eventually had her own flower shop in Del Norte. Serving as the Worthy Matron for the Del Norte Eastern Star chapter and as a Grand Page for the Colorado Eastern Star, opened the door to Jean becoming the Mother Adviser for the Del Norte Rainbow Girl Chapter. Jean also served as 4-H leader learning new skills along with the members as they did their projects. Jean and George opened their home to many people, including several foster children. She had a need to stay busy, loved to paint, crochet, and do ceramics. She loved serving as class parent. Jean and George knew sorrow, losing their sweet Gary the first day of 1968.
In 1971, Jean and George divorced. She went home to Anadarko with her two youngest children. Jean was a hard worker, working at Gabriel in Chickasha for many years. December 10, 1977, Jean married JB Carpenter. Jean loved being a part of the lives of her children. She spent her vacations, serving as a cook on many mission trips and at Falls Creek. She also served as mother advisor for the Anadarko Rainbow Girls. In 1987, Jean quit her job at Gabriel planning to move to a ranch in Montana. It took only a couple of weeks for Jean to realize this was not the life for her and she came home. Home to Anadarko. JB followed her home soon after.
Having served as a foster parent in Colorado, Jean talked to JB about opening their home to foster children. In November of 1987, they received their first foster child, Andy Ray, who they adopted a few years later. During the years Jean opened her home as foster parent to over 80 children, some only overnight, some for a lifetime. In 1992, Jean and a friend organized Reach Out, Inc. as a homeless shelter at what is now Oakridge Camp. During her time working to receive her Associates Degree in Child Development, Jean's eyes were opened to the need for an agency to help with providing services to those with developmental disabilities. Reach Out, transitioned to a provider agency starting with only a few clients. Jean's love of flowers and being busy lead to her purchasing the Anadarko Greenhouse, which she eventually sold in 1998, as Reach Out, Inc grew. The company that started with only three clients has served well over one hundred since 1992.
In April 2001, Jean married the love of her life, her Jr. High sweetheart, Bill Fowler. Together they have watched Reach Out, grow and opened their home to those who needed a little love. Jean and Bill loved to travel, going on cruises and taking the motorhome on their adventures. However, mostly they just loved home and being together, spending time with family, and loving on their yorkies. Christmas Eve gatherings a tradition and was open to anyone who needed a place to be.
Jean was well into her 80's when she started her next adventure with her son Brett, Thrill Hill Farms. Her love for growing things started in her childhood with her first job, brought together with the love of her children. Jean was excited about seeing the plants develop and come to harvest.
Jean loved her hometown. She was an active member of the Anadarko Lions, serving the past several years as secretary. The Anadarko Lions recently honored her with a Melvin Jones Fellowship. Jean was honored as the Anadarko Woman of the year. She also loved being a part of the Concerned Citizen's group. Jean wanted to see her hometown flourish.
Jean was proceeded in death by her parents; Lavienna Glinn Bodry and Owen Head, two sons; Gary Stephens and Andy Carpenter, her former husband; JB Carpenter, her brother; Jerry Head and her cherished grandmother, Chrystal Willingham.
She is survived by her husband, Bill Fowler of the home.
Sons: George Randall Stephens and his wife Louella of Lake Jackson, Texas
Brett Stephens of Anadarko, Oklahoma.
Daughter: Verdana Stephens and Cletus Adams of Anadarko, Oklahoma.
Stepchildren: Pam Greenlaw and her husband Alan, Stephen Fowler and his wife Kim, Rebecca Fowler-Marques her husband Andy, Paul Fowler and his husband Frank, Cindy Trevino and her husband Art and their families.
Grandchildren: Chad Stephens of Lake Jackson, TX, Cheree Jenson and her husband Peter of Pearland, Texas, Brandon Stephens and his wife Elizabeth of Gracemont, Oklahoma, Kimberly Stephens of Oklahoma City, Kayla Hackney and her husband Mason, Alyeska Factor, and Rylan Stephens all of Anadarko, Oklahoma.
Great-grandchildren: Aden, Grace, Ameila, Avery, Anthony, Wesley and Ivy.
Brother: Richard Stone and his wife, Conroe of Texas.
Sister Nita Stone of Rockwall, Texas.
Multiple nephews, nieces, and special friends, Vonda Neal, Melissa Abbott, and Mila Derichsweiler.
Her two mini companions, Zeke and Zack.
She was blessed with many friends and she cherished each one so much.

Visitation: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM Sunday, January 2nd, 2022
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday, January 3rd, 2022

Funeral Service: 3:00 PM Tuesday, January 4th, 2022
First Baptist Church, Anadarko, OK

Under the direction of Ray & Martha's Funeral Home - Anadarko, OK