Sara Carter Fowler

Sara Carter Fowler, affectionately known as “Nena” to just about everyone (“Mena” to her grandchildren) passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 28, 2025. It was Liberty Day in her lifelong hometown of Columbiana, which felt just right somehow: a celebration of love and friendship with neighbors capped off by patriotic fireworks for a woman who lit up every room and heart she entered. Born on August 24, 1947, Nena was the daughter of Rux and Jane Carter. She was a proud graduate of Shelby County High School and a loyal alumna of Auburn University. Nena was a teacher in every sense of the word. As a mom, she taught her three adoring children about the love of Jesus, the lyrics to every single Barry Manilow song, and everything in between. Professionally she taught in elementary classrooms and devoted many years to remedial education supporting students who needed a little extra care and attention. When her kids were young, she also led the children’s choir at Columbiana United Methodist Church. With Grummy (her mother) by her side on the piano, she taught songs of praise to the youngest of worshippers (even before they could read) using homemade posters illustrated with hand-drawn pictures and glued-on embellishments. It was creative, chaotic, and utterly Nena. Nena spent the last 26 years loving her devoted husband, Don Fowler, who was her partner in every way. Whether it was blessing a meal, remodeling their home, or embarking on a Cajun adventure, they did it together. Along with Don, Nena is survived by her children, Rux Bentley (Amanda), Amy Bentley, and Casey Bentley (Danette); her stepsons, Clay Fowler and Greg Fowler; and her five beloved grandchildren: Maddie Bentley, McKlane Bentley, Addison Bentley, Braden Bentley, and Isabella Fowler. She also leaves behind her loving sisters Kathy Carter and Judy Roberts (Sam), and a host of extended family and friends whom she dearly loved. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rux and Jane Carter, and her sister Carolyn Carter. For those who were lucky enough to know her, it will come as no surprise that Nena did not want a funeral or any “fuss” to commemorate her passing. If you'd like to honor her, her family encourages you to give your dog an extra hug, watch and share a Brenda Gantt cooking video on Facebook, dance to “Copacabana,” sing a song with your kids about the love of Jesus, or drink an ice-cold Diet Coke on the beach. If you would like to make a more formal gesture of remembrance, please consider making a donation in Nena’s memory to the American Cancer Society.

Sara Carter Fowler

August 24, 1947 - June 28, 2025