Deaconess Willie Jean Massey Lowery, daughter of the late Mrs. Eva Mae Gaither Massey and the late Floyd Henry Massey Sr., was born on April 12, 1940, in Rowan County, North Carolina.

Deaconess Jean Lowery graduated from Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina, where she studied Early Childhood Education. She devoted more than 45 years to educating young people, teaching Math and Science in the Rowan-SalisburySchool System. In recognition of her many accomplishments and dedicated service to the community, she received a letter of recognition from the City of Salisbury.

Throughout her life, Deaconess Lowery was deeply committed to her church and community. She was a member of Church Women United and the Rowan Baptist Association, where she served in numerous leadership roles. She was also a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and previously served as chapter president(Basileus). In addition, she was a member of Las Amigas, Inc., Southeast Chapter, andthe Eastern Stars.

For more than 80 years from childhood to adulthood, Deaconess Lowery was a devoted member of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church in Salisbury, North Carolina. During her many years of service, she taught numerous workshops and served faithfully in leadership positions throughout various ministries of the church. Among her many roles, she served as Lead Deaconess.

Several years ago, Deaconess Lowery relocated to Alamance County to live with her daughter, Sister Dorothy Wood-Webb. After relocating, she became affiliated with First Baptist Church on Apple Street under watch care. Even in this later season of her life, her faith remained an important part of who she was.

Deaconess Jean Lowery's life reflects a remarkable legacy of faith, education,leadership, service, and devotion to her family and community. Through more than 45 years as an educator, decades of service to her church, and her involvement in numerous community and civic organizations, she touched the lives of generations andleaves behind a lasting example of faithfulness and service.

On August 14, 2026, Deaconess Lowery peacefully slipped into the presence of the Lord while being cared for at Beacon Place AuthoraCare Collective Hospice in Greensboro, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her husband, the late Deacon Jesse Lowery; her son, Rodney Wood; and her two brothers, Floyd Massey Jr.and Jimmy Massey.

Her memory will forever be cherished by her daughter, Dorothy Wood-Webb; her son, Richard Wood; her stepdaughters, Battina Lowery Hooper and Sarah Lowery; 11 grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Eva Mae Pulliam; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and devoted friends.

Her life was one of faith, education, leadership, service, and love. The legacy she created through her family, her students, her church, and her community will continue to live through the countless lives she touched.

Westside Summer Enrichment Program and GMBC after school program in place of flowers in honor of Deaconess Willie Jean Massey Lowery. Gethsemane MBC

Funeral Service: Sunday August 23, at 2:00 PM Gethsemane Missionary Baptist ChurchFamily Visitation 30 minutes prior to service.Burial: Oakwood CemeteryPublic viewing: Saturday August 22, at 3:00-6:00 PM. Rowan Funeral Services