Wilma Idamae Pumphrey Fowler

St. Petersburg, FL — Wilma Idamae Pumphrey Fowler, beloved mother and dear friend to so many, passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2016, at the age of 82 at the LifePath Hospice House in Tampa, Florida. Born on September 8, 1933, in Baltimore, Maryland, Wilma married James Herbert Fowler, Colonel, U.S. Army, Retired, in 1953 and together they traveled the world and raised four children, Leslie Fowler Dellas, Julie Fowler Gillespie, Edward Herbert Fowler and James Taylor Fowler. Wilma was an amazing mother and dedicated military wife, moving the family many times and living in more than 15 cities on three continents over 30 years, including overseas tours to Germany, Turkey and Hawaii. She was the matriarch of the family, especially when her husband was away serving his country, including several tours in Vietnam. Upon retirement to St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1990, Wilma and Jim became avid sailors and members of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, the Salty Sisters, and the St. Petersburg Power Squadron. Wilma continued her support of military families through the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). She was active in the St. Petersburg community as a member of Grace Lutheran Church, P.E.O., VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Advising), and was friends to many through her bridge and mahjong clubs. Wilma was a member of the USF Alumni Association, where she was proud to earn her undergraduate degree as a lifelong learner in 1985. She joined the USF Women in Leadership and Philanthropy (WLP) and founded a scholarship there to support military family members and veterans returning to college after their service. Wilma was predeceased by her husband, James, and is survived by her large and loving family including her children, Leslie and Thomas Dellas, Julie and Jeffrey Gillespie, Edward and Nancy Fowler, James and Pamela Fowler; her 13 grandchildren and their spouses: Christopher and Michele Dellas, Andrew and Lindsey Dellas, Jessica, Jennifer and James Gillespie, Lindsey and Edward Fowler, Taylor, Michael and Stephen Fowler, Christopher and Andrea Smith, Kimberly Smith and Gregory and Kristin Smith; seven great-grandchildren: Eliah and Izaiah Dellas, Devin, Halei, Logan, Austin and Colin Smith; and many extended family members and dear friends. A funeral service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 4301 16th Street N, St. Petersburg, Florida, on Tuesday, September 6th, at 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial gift to the Wilma Fowler Scholarship at USF. (Please make checks payable to the USF Foundation and mail to 4202 E Fowler Avenue, ALC 100, Tampa, FL 33620.) Wilma will be reunited with her husband, James, in Arlington National Cemetery, where she will be interred with him later this year as their final resting place together.