of Conway, AR

June 13, 1930 - June 5, 2024

Jo Nell Lowry, of Conway, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2024 at 93 years of age. Born on June 13, 1930 in Mountainburg, AR, she spent most of her childhood singing, playing with her best friend, Jimmy Dean, pestering her brother, Ben and loving on her many animals.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin H. Alsip, Sr. and Alice Hobbs Alsip, of Conway, AR; her brother, Benjamin H. Alsip, Jr. of Baton Rouge, LA and her husband of 62 years, Dr. Fletcher Bowen Lowry of Conway, AR. She is survived by her three daughters, Sandra Kay Adkisson of Conway, AR, Phyllis Ann Hunter and husband, Tim of Iowa Park, TX and Debra Jo Davis of Conway, AR; four grandchildren, Benjamin Ky Hunter and wife, Shani of Waxahachie, TX, Justin Lowry Adkisson and wife, Danielle of Conway, AR, Lindsay Nichole Parker and husband, Matt of Harrison, AR and Christopher James Davis and wife, Jena of Conway, AR; six great-grandchildren, Will and Hunter Parker, Kyvin, Kyden and Kyla Hunter and Jett Davis and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends and her beloved dog, Bear.

Jo Nell received her Bachelor of Science in Education, Master of Science in Education and postgraduate work from the University of Central Arkansas. For 30 years, Jo Nell made learning a fun-filled adventure for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders in Conway Public Schools, through Ida Burns Elementary, where she also won the 1982 Teacher of the Year Award.
She became a member of the International Educators Society, Delta Kappa Gamma, in 1971 and went on to serve in various leadership positions including chapter president, first vice-president, secretary, parliamentarian, music chairman, SE Regional Director, International Vice-President and World Fellowship chairman. In 1984 she won the Best Songwriter's Award for ''Golden Leaves'', a song she wrote in honor of the Kappa State's Golden Anniversary. Her service also extended to her local chapter of PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization) where she was a member of Chapter BE, where she served as President and later joined Chapter E and was honored as a Golden Girl in 2023.

Jo Nell was an active member of Conway First United Methodist Church where she proudly sang in the Chancel Choir for more than 50 years and was a member of the Hartje Sunday school class.

Jo Nell was also a proud member of UCA's Big Bear Purple Circle where she loved to support her UCA bears.

Family meant everything to Jo Nell. Frequently, she could be found in the kitchen, cooking her family's favorites like black eyed peas, fried okra and blackberry cobbler. You could also find her playing piano with her grand and great grandchildren or hopping in the car for a road trip to Baton Rouge to see her brother, Ben.

Honorary Pallbearers are Ky Hunter, Justin Adkisson, Chris Davis, Matt Parker, Hunter Parker and Sammie Butler.

The family would like to thank Hospice Homecare of Conway.

On Monday, June 10th a Celebration of Life service will be held at Conway First United Methodist Church, 1610 Prince Street, Conway, AR at 2:00pm, officiated by Reverend Nathan Kilbourne with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Conway Animal Welfare or Conway First United Methodist Church.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
650 Central Landing Blvd.
Conway, AR  72032
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com