Carolyn Elizabeth Lowder

Mrs. Carolyn J. Lowder passed away January 27, 2020. She was born October 3, 1934, in Stanly County, North Carolina. She was the third of four children of John L. Jones and Lily Harvell Jones. She was predeceased by her husband Carroll R. Lowder and her brother Johnny Frank Jones. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 8, 2020, at 2:00pm at Central United Methodist Church, 801 S. Hayne Street, Monroe, NC 28112. The family will receive friends following the service in Central Hall. She is survived by her three children, Douglas Lowder (Cheryl), of San Leandro, California, Patrick Lowder (Valerie) of Lilburn, Georgia, and Cynthia Lowder Dean (Jim), of Raleigh, North Carolina; four grandchildren: Scott Lowder of Washington, DC, Nolan Lowder of Columbia, South Carolina, Nicholas Dean of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Reno Lowder of Lawrenceville, Georgia; her brother, Lindsey Jones, of Sanford, NC, her sister, Eleanor Starnes of Albemarle, NC; and her sister-in-law Hazel Lefler of Monroe, NC. After graduation from East Carolina Teacher’s College, Mrs. Lowder had a long teaching career that took her to Washington, DC, Winston-Salem, NC, Forest Hills High School, and the Union County Career Center (now the Union County PDC). Her students revered her, and many have shared their memories with her family since her passing. After retirement, Mrs. Lowder served on the Union County School Board for 15 years, including a period of chairperson. Despite her quiet demeanor, she fiercely advocated for students and teachers, conveying their needs in an effective and concise manner. For her many years of public service, Mrs. Lowder was awarded the Order of the Longleaf Pine in 2012. After leaving the School Board, Mrs. Lowder cared for her husband and her dogs, developed and nurtured her gardens, read voraciously, and doted on her children and her four grandsons. She was an active member of Wingate United Methodist Church from 1961 to her death. She served on numerous boards and committees. Constantly active in her community, she served Meals on Wheels, and was a member of Democratic Woman’s caucus until her death. We hope everyone will remember her for her love, care, and compassion, especially for the least of these our brethren. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory is caring for the Lowder Family.