Rose Marie Dowker

Rose Marie Dowker was born on March 27, 1955, to her parents, Bill and Louise Lawson.  Rose was one of six siblings, Billie Jo Fugate, James Lawson, Mike “Fuzzy” Lawson, Debbie Wilkerson, and Robert Lawson.  Rose and her siblings  had a special bond between them, and each bond was unique, and special in its own way.  Rose quickly grew into her own role as the family comedian, wild child, and tell it like it is type of personality that she carried throughout her life.  Rose loved being the life of the party, having fun wherever she went, providing everyone with many reasons to smile and laugh.  Rose worked at Alba Heath for thirty years. She loved spending time on the lake holding a cold Miller Lite in her hand while touring the lake with her late husband, John Dowker.  She was an avid Nascar fan, loved Tennessee football, watching airplanes take off and land, and her pets Faith, Sadie, Miracle, and Toby.  In 2007 Rose suffered a life changing stroke.  For many years to follow Rose had to face and overcome many health complications resulting from her stroke.  During this time Rose became very close to her caregiver, Loretta, and they formed a friendship that resembled a mother and daughter relationship.  Loretta took care  of  Rose through three years of the hardest days of her life.  The family is so appreciative of her lasting dedication to giving Rose the best care possible.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband, John Dowker, parents Bill and Louise Lawson, sister Billie Jo Fugate, brother James Lawson, nephew John Lee Dowker.   Rose leaves behind her siblings and their spouse, Debbie and David Wilkerson of Spring City, Mike and Lisa Lawson of Rockwood, and Robert and Sharon Lawson of Lakeland, Florida, sister-in-law Sherrie Lawson of Cleveland, TN, brother-in-law Grey Fugate of North Vernon Indiana.  Her beloved caregiver Loretta Mcpherson, of Rockwood.  Nieces Tabby Fugate and daughter, Briley Freels of Kingston, Trina and Jeff Deck, Heather Welsh, Kayla Flowers, and Leta Hall. Nephews Robbie Fugate of North Vernon, Indiana, Thomas Lawson of Kingston, TN, Richard Lawson of Cleveland, Tn, Craig Lawson of Cleveland, Tn, Sean and Tiffany Dowker of Nashville, Tn, Michael and Cassie Lawson of Tyler, Texas, and Dowker family. Rose also had many great nieces and nephews as well as a host of friends.  Rose was certainly one of a kind, she was both fire and ice wrapped into one, she said what was on her mind, and apologized later.  Rose had a soft side along with a splash of compassion for those she loved.  She had a way with words, even though they weren’t all meant for the virgin ear.  She coined her own key phrases, and when you heard them spoken, you knew immediately that Rose was in the room.  Well Sally, you got your wings, no more wheelchair, your body is no longer hindered by the stroke.  No more pain, and no more sadness will you endure.  If you were able to speak your own words I feel it would be, “ damn it Bobby, I made it to the finish line.”  A celebration of life will be announced at a later time.