Essie W. Lowry

Mrs. Essie L. Lowry, daughter of the late Susie Walker and John Wherry, was born on February 3, 1922 in Chester County, South Carolina. She attended school at the Crawford School House where she completed and eighth (8th) grade education. Reared by parents who loved God, she attended the Cedar Grove Baptist church. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized by Reverend Strong.In school, she met and dated Mr. Willie Lowry, and on December 25, 1938, they were joined in holy matrimony. From this union, they were blessed with five children. After living in the South for a brief period of time, she and her husband moved to Washington, D.C. where she was employed in a restaurant as a Salad Chef near the Pentagon. When the world war ended and jobs were cut, they moved to Baltimore, Maryland.In 1950, Sister Lowry became a member of the Southern Baptist Church where she became a member of the former Gospel Chorus. Sister Lowry was a faithful member of the Sunday Church School and Bible Study. She loved to sing, and she loved vocal music. In 1968, she became one of the founding members of the Vocal Choir. Sister Lowry was also a member of the Maryland Chapter and of the National Prayer Band, and she loved to participate in the all night prayer meetings. She was a member of the Southern Baptist Church Civic Committee; a long-time member of the N.A.A.C.P; a member of the Pastor’s Aide and Seasoned Seniors (the Senior Citizens’ Guild). Sister Lowry was a member of the National Baptist World Alliance and loved to attend the June sessions at Hampton and U.M.B.C. of Maryland Annual quarterly sessions.Following her mother’s example, Sister Lowry was known for her generous spirit and her genuine love for people. She would feed anyone who came to her home. Sister Lowry opened her home to family, college students and others who needed a place to stay. She participated in the March on Washington in 1963 and the ones that followed. When the Harbor Bank of Maryland needed shareholders to make it a sovereign institution, Sister Lowry was among the founding individual stockholders. Although she worked as a Domestic Engineer for many years, she believed and taught her children that every man was equal; to be proud of themselves; to always save and never allow yourself to be though less. Her most fervent prayer was that all of her family complete their education and stand independent.Sis. Lowry loved to fish; she loved to travel, and she loved to shop. A staunch Oriole and Ravens fan, she could be seen faithfully sitting by the radio or the television supporting her team. Any team from North Carolina had her undying support. She loved children and loved people, but most of all she really loved the Lord.On Wednesday, February 2, 2005 at 6:05 P.M., Mrs. Essie L. Lowry firmly grabbed God’s hand and quietly departed this life, entering into her eternal home.She leaves to cherish her memory and enjoy her legacy, her son, Mr. Freddie Lowry; two daughters, Mrs. Lula M. Johnson and Mrs. Shirley A. West; her son-in-law, Mr. Othea L. West; two sisters, Mrs. Cammie Walk and Mrs. Annie Eliza Shivers both from Rock Hill S.C., Mrs. Lucille Howard, New Jersey; her brother, Mr. Aaron P. Wherry, Chester, S.C.; six grandchildren, Mrs. Regina Williams, Ms. Shana Johnson, Mrs. Catherine Nile (Michael), Mr. Danon Lowry, Ms. Sherie Lowry and Mrs. Marilyn Dixon; and adopted granddaughter, Veronica Lockett; eleven great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and a large host on nieces, nephews, and many other family members, loved ones and those she claimed as her own.

Tributes

Essie W. Lowry

February 3, 1922 - February 2, 2005