MRS. PHYLLIS ANN LOWRY

Mrs. Phyllis Ann Lowry, of Pembroke, NC, passed away on the morning of October 11, 2020.

Born in Pembroke, Mr. Bracy and Mrs. Ruby Locklear’s middle child ultimately attended Pembroke Elementary, as well as Pembroke High School, graduating from the latter in 1963.

Mrs. Phyllis married her high school sweetheart, Mr. Jimmy Reese Lowry, in 1964.  Responsibilities of work and family led them to Marietta, Georgia; Greenville, South Carolina; Charlotte, North Carolina; Columbus/Tryon, North Carolina; and High Point, North Carolina.

After Mr. Jim’s death in 2010—a loss permanently imprinted on her heart—Mrs. Phyllis retired to Pembroke, where she enjoyed the near-constant companionship of family and friends alike.

We realize Phyllis’ unexpected death has come as a shock to many of you, no more so than us.  And while all of us grieve in whatever ways are personally necessary, please know that, irrespective of the nature of your relationship with Mrs. Phyllis, it was both valued and cherished by her.  Mrs. Phyllis carried with her, throughout her life, a generosity of spirit, a love for all those she held dear, and a capacity for empathy that were unparalleled.   And she tried to provide all these things with unyielding devotion.

No matter where life carried Mrs. Phyllis, she always made it a point to return to, and spend time in, Pembroke.  She had a deep love for Robeson County, and it remained a source of community, kindred spirit, love, compassion, nostalgia, and fierce pride until the very day she departed this Earth.

Over the last few years, when finishing conversations with her granddaughter, the first one would end the conversation, “I love you,” and the other would end it with “I love you more.”

Please know Mrs. Phyllis would want to have that last word with you if she had the opportunity.

Mrs. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents: Mr. Bracy and Mrs. Ruby Locklear of Pembroke; brother: Mr. Bryan Locklear of Pembroke; and her husband: Mr. Jimmy Lowry of High Point.

The graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Robert Mangum officiating.

She is survived by her brothers: Mr. Jack Locklear of Concord, NC; Mr. Nick Locklear of Pembroke; Mr. Christopher Locklear of Hope Mills, NC; daughter: Ms. Jayme Burmeister of High Point; son: Mr.  Chad Lowry of Pembroke; and granddaughter: Reece Burmeister of High Point.

The family sincerely appreciates the outpouring of support we have received.  We thank you for the love and kindness you continue to display during this difficult time.