Unita Barnes Fowler

Unita Barnes Fowler was born March 4, 1942 in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Otties and Luedell Barnes. Unita was affectionately known as "Nita”. Unita was named after Unita Blackwell who was the first Black Woman Mayor in Mayersville, Mississippi.

Unita was a member of Wayman Chapel A.M.E. Church where she served as secretary of the Trustee Board and the Christian Fellowship Choir. Unita has been a member of Wayman Chapel A.M.E. church over 70 years. She was one of the oldest members of the church.

Unita graduated from Douglas Anderson High School in 1959. She was very active in the girls’ basketball team and a cheerleader. Unita was very fond of her classmates and always willing to participate in class activities. Her radiant personality was admired by many of her classmates and she always brought a smile to many faces. She continued her education at Edwards College and Florida A&M University.

Unita was employed with the Duval County School board for over 33 years. She was the first African American teacher at Harbor View Elementary School in 1968 currently named Martin Luther King Elementary. She received the honorary award Whose Who American Teachers in 1996. She retired from teaching in 1989.

Unita touched the lives of so many children and they were fond of her discipline but caring ways in wanting all her students to achieve at their highest level.  Her daily motto "No Child Should Be Left Behind”. Unita also taught 11 years at Florida Community College Adult Basic Education Classes. Her passion for teaching never waivers.

Unita leaves to mourn her daughter, Stephanie Fowler; her twin sons. Dwane Fowler (Tammy) and Wayne Fowler (Cheryl); siblings, Catherine Wingate (Clarence), George Barnes (Grenda), James Barnes (Jan), the late Samuel Barnes and Kenneth Barnes; grandsons; Brandon Fowler (Jazmine) and Bryce Fowler; granddaughters, Kiavonnie Fowler, Kayla Bronson and Kerrian Bronson; 1 great granddaughter, Bailee Fowler; and 1 great grandson, Oshun Jones. She has a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.  

Unita style and grace will be missed among her family and friends. Her presence here on earth will be missed but God will allow her to shine in heaven.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Southside is serving the Family.

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