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.
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17 Condolence(s)
Karen Matthews
Monday, June 10, 2024
I can remember lots of fun times with JoNell in the teacher's lounge at Ida Burns. I was lucky enough for my daughter to be her student. I will always remember her beautiful smile and how the room would light up when she entered. She was a very special lady. Love to you girls.
Tonya Moix
Monday, June 10, 2024
Sandy, Debbie and family,
I am so sorry for all of your loss. Mrs. Lowry was such a sweet sweet lady. She always had a compliment for everyone. I know she is happy to join her husband and brother. Praying for all of you today and in the days ahead. Hold onto your wonderful memories of your sweet momma.
Rickey Gulley
Sunday, June 9, 2024
I am deeply hurt to hear the news that she has passed away.
I attended Ida Burns Elementary in the mid to late '80s.
She taught me English in 4th grade.
When Friday came. she always wrote T.H.I.F! on the blackboard. She told us that is stood for (Thank Heavens It's Friday!)
She was the only one who did that back then.
I also had her daughter, Mrs. Sandy Adkisson for a class in 3rd grade as well.
I remember one day when Mrs. Adkisson was standing in a chair to teach us and she fell out of it onto the floor. My first reaction was to run out of class to tell her mother to come and help her.
It was in this moment that I knew what it was like to be Mrs. Adkisson's hero for a day.
Years later, I would run into Mrs. Lowry again because of the community service work that she did for the UCA Bears.
Mrs. Lowry will be greatly missed by me and my family.
Leanne Ridgely-Bland
Sunday, June 9, 2024
Sending thoughts and prayers of comfort to your family at this difficult time. She was absolutely lovely.
Pamela Sewell Acklin
Sunday, June 9, 2024
To Sandy and her family, we pray that you find peace and comfort knowing that you did all that you could while you could for Mrs. Lowry. What a sweet spirit she was! God bless and keep you in your grieving time
Terri Boyd Shotts
Sunday, June 9, 2024
I loved having Mrs. Lowry as a 4th grade teacher at Ida Burns. She was a wonderful woman! Thinking of all of her family and friends at this time.
Mary Langston
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Phyllis, Sandy, and Debby, Russell and I are so sorry about the loss of your precious mother. I had the pleasure of working with Jo Nell for several years at Ida Burns. Jan and Amy both had her for a teacher. Praying for comfort and peace for all of you.
John Welch
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Mrs. Lowry was an incredible woman. She was always happy and welcoming. She will be missed.
Judy Montgomery Mize
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Such a beautiful , gracious , lovely lady who always greeted me with a sweet smile . I will miss her smiling face especially in church on Sundays .
Mary Catherine flanagin glover
Saturday, June 8, 2024
I'm so sorry! Loved your Mom and her purple! Hugs.
Jan Hoskins
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Mrs. Lowry was a beautiful, unassuming, and gracious mother to my dear friend Phyllis and her two sisters Sandy & Debby. I'm blessed to have grown up knowing Jo Nell and Coach Lowry.
debbie pounders
Saturday, June 8, 2024
I'm so sorry for you loss and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbie (Davis) Pounders
Susan Hoggard
Friday, June 7, 2024
I’ll surely miss my dear friend and fellow UCA Bear fan.
Jan Cunningham
Friday, June 7, 2024
I’m so sorry to hear of Mrs. Lowry’s passing. I have so many fond memories of being in her 3rd Grade class at Ida Burns as well as the times I spent with her and all your family as Debby’s friend. She was a beautiful and special lady. Much love to all of you.
Raye Jean Dow Linn
Friday, June 7, 2024
My deepest sympathy for all of y’all. Mama and Daddy (Raymond and Jean Dow) thought a lot of both of your parents.
Georgia Clark Ross
Friday, June 7, 2024
I'm sorry to learn of Mrs
Lowry passing. Mrs. Lowry was my 4th grade teacher, and went to Church with me.
Ann webb
Thursday, June 6, 2024
Sandy & family sorry for ur loss
U will be in my thoughts & prayers