Jessie Lowry

Jessie Gilmore Lowry, 81, of Mill Gap, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 at her home.

She was born Oct. 24, 1930 in the same home, a daughter of the late Lloyd McNeal and Helen Rush Hoffman Gilmore, and lived on Upper Back Creek her entire life.

Mrs. Lowry was a homemaker, caregiver and enjoyed tending to the many farm animals she raised. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and a member of Beulah Presbyterian Church.

During her lengthy illness, she was lovingly cared for by her husband of 63 years and eldest daughter, Karen.

She is survived by her husband, Sidney “June” Gilmore Lowry Jr., whom she married on Sept. 18, 1948; two daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Harold DeVore of Mill Gap and Page and Philip Rowe of Ooltewah, Tenn.; a son and daughter-in-law, Patrick and Valerie Lowry of Mill Gap; five grandchildren, Tracey McCray and husband Michael of McDowell, Kimberlie Richardson and husband Clay of Matthews, N.C., Carrie Lowry of Ruther Glen, Natalie and Jesse Rowe, both of Ooltewah, Tenn.; two great-grandchildren, Virginia and Charlotte Richardson, both of Matthews, N.C.; nieces; nephews; and loving caregivers from Sentara Hospice.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Juanita Connell; and an infant brother, Lloyd M. Gilmore Jr.

A funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 17, at Beulah Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Melissa Litrel Harmon and the Rev. C. William Cox officiating. Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Vernon Simmons, Brad and Allen Lowry, Randy Harold, Jay Hull, Carson Ralston, John and Melvin Rexrode. Honorary pallbearers will be friends attending the service.

The family will receive friends at the home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Friends may also call at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell.

Memorial contributions may be made to Beulah Presbyterian Church, c/o Donna Hooke, 3048 Mill Gap Road, Monterey, Va. or Highland County Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 268, Monterey, Va. 24465.