With heavy but grateful hearts, we say goodbye to our beloved Iola Fulgham, who passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 14, 2026 at the age of 88. Iola was a kind, radiant, and deeply loving soul. Born in the small town of Moline, Kansas, Iola carried a warm light with her wherever she went. She loved Jesus with all her heart and, throughout her life, she was a faithful member of First Christian Church finding strength and comfort in her faith.

Iola lived life with quiet adventure and a big heart. As a young woman, she earned her pilot's license, embracing the skies with the same fearless spirit she showed in everything she did. She worked as an administrative assistant at Sam Houston State University in Texas alongside her beloved late husband, Hal, a photography professor. After several years devoted to caring for her mother, Iola retired to Chattanooga to be near her sons and grandchildren. After settling in Chattanooga, she found great joy serving for 12 years as a docent at the Tennessee Aquarium. Her gentle smile and enthusiastic storytelling touched the hearts of countless visitors and made her feel truly alive.

But above all, Iola was the heart of her family. She cherished her role as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, wrapping everyone in unconditional love, laughter, and those wonderful stories from her vibrant Kansas childhood. Her big laugh, her steady presence, and her endless kindness created a legacy of warmth that will continue to comfort us all.

She is survived by her sons: Scott (Kathie) Fulgham and Shawn (Jessica) Fulgham. Grandchildren: Justin (Melanie) Krause, Emily Krause (Kori Collins), Jilly (Damian) Brock, Miller Fulgham, and Lillian Fulgham. Great grandchildren: Gunnar Brock, Catherine Krause, Levi Trout, Joshua Trout, and Liam Trout.

She is also survived by her 98-year-old sister, Evelyn Grover, and her niece Sandy (Pete) Earls. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Hal, brother Eugene McCollim, and granddaughter Courtney Trout.

In lieu of flowers, the family warmly invites donations in Iola's memory to the Tennessee Aquarium to support camperships that help children of all backgrounds and abilities have the opportunity to explore, learn, and experience the natural world. <http://tnaqua.org/Donate>

Visitation will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. at First Christian Church 650 McCallie Ave. A private graveside burial will take place on another date at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga.

Iola's loving heart, her gentle faith, and the joy she shared so freely will be deeply missed, yet forever treasured by everyone whose life she brightened.