Donna Munnerlyn Fowler passes away

It is with heartfelt condolences that we announce the passing of Donna M. Fowler.

Donna, 68, passed away on December 5, 2024, at her home in Hutto, Texas, after a courageous battle with cancer. Though cancer may have marked her final years, it certainly did not define Donna. She was a fighter, a planner, a generous contributor, and a go-getter who dedicated her life to making the world a better place for those around her. 

Born Donna Kay Munnerlyn on January 17, 1956, in Abilene, Texas, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, earning a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1980. While in college, she worked part-time at the Texas State Capitol, where she met her future husband, Mike Fowler, in 1975. They married on August 25, 1978, in an outdoor ceremony overlooking Austin on what is now Lady Bird Lake.

A proud Texas Longhorn, Donna was a life member of the Texas Exes, one of the largest alumni associations in the world. Watching a Longhorn football game with Donna and Mike was always an exhilarating experience. She and Mike were also deeply involved in their community.

Professionally, Donna had a distinguished career as a hospital pharmacist. Before the ink was dry on her diploma, she began her career at Johns Community Hospital in Taylor, soon becoming Director of Pharmacy. She served as President of the Austin Area Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists (AASHP) and spent forty-one years working as a hospital pharmacist in Taylor, Round Rock and Cedar Park, retiring in early 2022. Her work saved lives and helped countless individuals, especially through her efforts in diabetic and chemotherapy education. After September 11, 2001, Donna’s commitment to public service extended beyond her local community, as she joined the Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT), serving as a field pharmacist for 20 years. She provided critical medical assistance after hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Ike, Irene, Harvey, Irma and Maria as well as pandemic assistance in Texas and Colorado. She absolutely loved being part of these relief efforts and met some great friends along the way. 

A community celebration of Donna’s life will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Hutto Lutheran Church, 402 Church Street, Hutto, Texas, on what would have been her 69th birthday. Donna was a force of nature, a truly phenomenal woman, beautiful - inside and out, and her brilliant spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. She was known for her intelligence, grace, kindness, and unwavering love. Her radiant smile and deep blue eyes would light up any room and will be forever remembered. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be directed to the Hutto Lutheran Cemetery Endowment Fund, 404 Church Street, Hutto, Texas 78634. A family internment of Donna’s ashes will take place at Hutto Lutheran Cemetery, 550 CR 135, Hutto, Texas.

(Source: Hutto Lutheran Church)