Billie Jean Lowe
January 27, 2018
Date of Service: January 31, 2018
Interment Location: Garden of the Last Supper
Billie Jean Hicks Lowe, 86, of Elizabethton passed away at her home, Saturday, January 27, 2018. A native of Carter County, Billie Jean was the daughter of the late Landon Thomas and Ruby C. Morton Hicks. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ray “Bud” Lowe, Jr., her only love to whom she was married for 31 years before his untimely death in 1985. A graduate of Hampton High School and the Steed College of Business, she worked in several area facilities. However, her greatest joy and hardest work was co-ownership of Carrousel Catering with her dear best friend, the late Patsy Garland Peters. Together they created lovely receptions for a variety of events. Her primary role was the creator of beautifully decorated wedding cakes of which she took great pride. In addition, she took special delight in meticulously decorating her homes and maintaining her property. The family often referred to her as “Mrs. Better Homes and Gardens.”
She was of the Baptist Faith but attended New Liberty Freewill Baptist Church before her illnesses. Thereafter, on Sunday mornings she always listened to Dr. Gary Montgomery’s radio broadcasts and watched Dr. Charles Stanley’s television sermons. She would call her sister, Carolyn, to say “I’ve been to church with Gary (her second cousin) and Dr. Stanley.” We discussed the topics of each and do so appreciate these opportunities for her continued spiritual enrichment especially during her lonely times at home.
Admired as a strong woman for her strength and perseverance, she coped with her disabilities in later life with grace, dignity, and fierce independence. She was always happiest in her own home in her beloved Carter County, Elizabethton. The family wishes to thank those who helped her maintain her home. She is survived by a devoted sister, Carolyn June Hicks Pittman of Knoxville and several cousins. We wish to express gratitude to those friends who helped her celebrate her recent birthday and Christmas at which time she was active in her home, even visiting her hairdresser two days before Christmas. We appreciate those health care providers and staff who were available to her and exhibited competence, empathy and kindness. Special accolades to cousin, Rebecca “Becky” Ingram Bowers, an angel unaware, who helped so much during her most recent illness and to Danny and Glenn “Fly” who worked tirelessly in harsh cold weather to fulfill a need.
A celebration of Billie Jean’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at 1 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Gary Montgomery officiating. Music will be by Dennis Laws and Frieda Winters. The family will receive friends from 12p.m. to 1 p.m. Graveside service will follow at Happy Valley Memorial Park.
Condolences may be sent to the family at our website: www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Billie Jean Lowe Family.
