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Rev. Joseph E. Lowery
1921 - 2020
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The Rev. Joseph E. Lowery of Atlanta, a titan of the Civil Rights Era, died Friday, March 27, just a few months after celebrating his 98th birthday with loved ones.

Lowery made his mark in the 1950s and 1960s as a key civil rights leader at the shoulder of Martin Luther King Jr., helping to start the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

He would go on serve the longest tenure in history as the president of the SCLC.

Because of the coronarivus outbreak, the family held a small, private service on Saturday April 4 at Westview Cemetery. Read the story and see photos.

In a statement posted on the website of The Joseph & Evelyn Lowery Institute, family members said that because of the pandemic a larger, public memorial will be held in the fall, closer to his October birthday. Read more

Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, cards or food, the family suggests donations to
The Joseph & Evelyn Lowery Institute for Justice & Human Rights. P.O. Box 92801, Atlanta, GA 30314.

More about Joseph Lowery on AJC.com
Visit AJC for his full obituary, related articles, photos and videos about Joseph Lowery's life and legacy. The Sunday print editions of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the digital AJC ePaper on March 29, 2020 included a front page obituary and related stories and photos.

Civil rights legend Rev. Joseph Lowery has died

Joseph Lowery's procession and funeral was small but full of meaning

Remembering the Rev. Joseph Lowery

Reflections on Joseph Lowery from Andrew Young, Barack Obama and others

Thank you, Rev. Lowery: Editorial cartoon by AJC's Mike Luckovich

Looking back: Joseph Lowery's benediction at 2009 inauguration of President Obama
Published in Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Mar. 28, 2020.
MEMORIAL EVENTS
No events have been scheduled at this time. Check back later or contact the funeral home for more information.
Funeral services provided by
Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home - West End Chapel
1003 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd
Atlanta, GA 30310
(404) 758-1731
Memories & Condolences

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245 entries
May 25, 2020
In memory of Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, condolences 2 daughters, grand children, constiguates BIBLE, Political. The meeting if you ESCAPE (CASCADE S) challenges, however CHAIN mandated NEGROS rights freedom, JUSTICE, congregation UNION,CONGRESS abduction HATED by race, isolation, places to live.i hereby attached "my resume". . .APOSTLE BISHOP VERONICA J TATE, apologetic WORD:. TRUST IN HIM, THAT IS WITHIN, A WEEK, AN HOUR, GOOD ADVICE. AMEN ISN'T SURE BUT, HOWEVER EVERYLASTING.
APOSTLE BISHOP VERONICA J TATE
May 4, 2020
Jacqueline Brown Woody
May 4, 2020
A chaplain for peace, justice and the common good, another drum major for justice....a life well-lived in service to others.
Jacqueline Woody
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Jacqueline Brown Woody
April 28, 2020
Thoughts and prayers for the family during this time of bereavement.
Sandra Woodfork
April 17, 2020
I am so happy to have met Rev. Joseph Lowery. Thanks for being a strong driving force of the Civil Rights Movement. Rest in the arms of our Lord.
Bessie Mansfield
April 14, 2020
The Lowery Family,Dr.Lowery was a true Ambassador and Legend in this country.He will truly be missed. My daughter ,Gena and I met him a theTemple of Glory ,where Bishop Matthew Odum presides over his flock.He was our speaker and special guest over 10 yrs ago.God has now gotten a true soldier.May God Shelter your hearts at this time.Alyce an Gena Groover.Savannah,GA
Alyce Groover
April 13, 2020
When I started practicing law Dr Lowery was my first real client. I was honored to represent one of such prominence at this stage in my legal career.
Felker W Ward Jr
April 13, 2020
Felker Ward, Jr.
April 13, 2020
Felker Ward, Jr
April 13, 2020
Sending prayers and condolences to the lowery family. Well done thy good and faithful servant.
Lettie Donald
April 8, 2020
Thank you Lowery Family for sharing the life and love of Rev. Lowery. One of God's true servants. Few men have I ever witnessed preach the word of God with such clarity, conviction, and commitment. Well done, Sir.
Derrick Lockhart
April 8, 2020
Thank you for transforming our country in more ways than we will ever know.May you rest in peace.
April 8, 2020
So sorry for your loss, and also thank you Lowery family for your sacrifice of sharing this great servant with the world. He truly made us feel like Black Lifes Matter, and gave us hope that one day America would feel the same way. Well miss you honorable servant, rip❤
Teresa Morrow
Acquaintance
April 8, 2020
Thank you Lowery family for your tremendous sacrifice of sharing this great servant with the world! He truly made us feel that Black Lifes Matter, and that one day hopefully, America would feel that way too. My condolences to you all, and may our sweet angel rip!❤❤❤
Teresa Morrow
Acquaintance
April 7, 2020
Remembering Rev Lowery's Prayer at Obama's inauguration in 2009. Lowery stated Let us show love, not hate, inclusion and not exclusion. Such power in the way he delivered. He will be missed but always remembered for his beliefs in civil defense.
Kembra Luckett. Luckett. P.hd
April 7, 2020
The great work you did has spoken and will continue to speak for you, throughout eternity. Thanks to your lovely family for sharing you with the world. Rest in Peace with Evelyn, now!
PatV
April 7, 2020
Dr. Lowery was a titan of social justice whose presence in this life will be sorely missed.
Rest well, sir.
Vickie Suggs-Jones
April 7, 2020
Legendary leader, passionate pastor and humble humanitarian. Your legacy lives on. We got you.
B Payne
Friend
April 6, 2020
Condolences and My Deepest Sympathy to LeRoy, Modestine, and family. Praying for peace and comfort during this time.
Romaine Nelson
April 6, 2020
I am very sorry to hear of your passing. I worked for you for many years while you were on the MARTA Board.
Your leadership not only in church related and racial equality issues
but also in moving people around Atlanta meant so much for so many. As Mayor Maynard Jackson stated at the groundbreaking of MARTA in the early 1970's, getting to meet your neighbors on public transportation is beneficial in our diverse society.
Rest in peace Rev. Lowery.
barry hertslet
April 6, 2020
Dr.Lowery has fought the good fight,he finished the course and kept the faith.
Let us follow the example set before us.
May the Lord bless and keep you.
Much
Sister in Christ
April 6, 2020
Thank you for your courageous service Reverend Lowery!
-S.Rhone
April 6, 2020
Dr. Lowery's loss is sad for your family and for the nation.
Glen B
April 6, 2020
Thank you Rev./Dr. Lowery for your long-standing service! God bless your family, closest friends, acquaintances and all the rest of us that have lost such a necessary member of our community. Rest in peace!
Laurell Daye
April 6, 2020
Betty Neal Crutcher
April 6, 2020
With deep sorrows, I would like to express my condolences to the Lowery family. A leader among leaders has served in a time when histories burdens has been at one of its highest peaks. And Joesph Lowery with the grace of God prevailed to its needs. You will be solely missed. Thank you for your service and for you sacrifices.
Kenneth Lewis
April 6, 2020
Rest in peace Rev. Lowery.
Shawyn Tune
April 6, 2020
A life well lived and a soul we all will remember.
Stay strong family we are with you in prayer daily.
W Mott
April 5, 2020
My deepest condolences
Dr. Ajani Harmon
April 5, 2020
Rest in Peace Rev. Joseph Lowery. You have fought a good fight and now heaven is ready to receive their angel. Love M.J. Brown
April 5, 2020
Rev Lowery...Thank u for everything you did to make America live up to its promises to African Americans...You impacted the lives of all citizens as you fought for equality and Justice for all...Take your heavenly rest Sir. You will surely be missed.
Barbara Roberts
April 5, 2020
Dear Family,
I was not well acquainted with Reverend Lowery; however, I was blessed to have worked with some of the same people toward some of the same goals throughout my years. Thank G-d for men and women, such as Reverend Lowery. May his and other martyrs of the Civil Rights Movement continue to serve as the BEST examples of serving our fellow women and men.
Barbara Balser
April 5, 2020
Well done, thy good and faithful servant. May you rest in peace.
Mary Scott
April 5, 2020
I am a white man paying homage to a great black man. He was an honor and true brother to all mankind. May his family find courage and his soul rest in richly deserved peace and among those he loved and that love him as dearly.
Bob Anderson
April 5, 2020
Thank You Rev. Lowery for everything you did to help everyone. Love Kila & Family
Kilacampbell
Friend
April 5, 2020
Sending prayers and condolences to the Lowery family from the Scofield, Rooks, Alexander, and Jennings families. Sorry for the loss of such a great man.
Martha Rooks Alexander
April 5, 2020
Thank you to the family of Rev. Lowery for sharing him with the community. His works for equality will forever be remembered. I pray God gives you peace and comfort in the mist of your sorrow. We will forever be grateful for his sacrifices. Brenda Gordon Stone Mountain, Ga.
Brenda Gordon
April 5, 2020
A giant has fallen only to rise in glory. My condolences and prayers to the family. Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Rose-Tucker
Jacqui Rose-Tucker
April 5, 2020
Condolences to the Lowery family and friends. I did not personally know Rev. Lowery but grew up learning and knowing of him as an advocate of non-violence and justice, not just for Black people but all people. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of us all! God's blessings to you for strength and comfort!
MILLICENT RODRIQUES
April 5, 2020
May your Light continue to shine. Thank you for your service. RIH
Bill Hammonds
April 5, 2020
As president of Clark Atlanta University in 2001, it was my honor to establish the J. E. Lowery Institute for this great man, pastor and civil rights hero. My wife, Brenda and are proud that he and Mrs Lowery were our friends and we send love and prayers to his family.
Dr. Thomas Cole
April 5, 2020
My Condolences to the family of Rev Lowery. He worked hard for the rights of all of us. Well done good and kind servant, well done, well done. Rest in Peace.
Lynn Tillman
April 5, 2020
Dorothy Hicks
April 5, 2020
Praying for God's peace and comfort for the family may God continue to keep you.
Charlyn Washington-Jones
April 5, 2020
My condolences to the Lowery family. Rest in peace Dr. Joseph E. Lowery.
Velma Donald
April 5, 2020
mangoes68@att.net
The Rev. / Dr. Joseph E. Lowery,

Matthew 25:23

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

We Have Lost a CIVIL RIGHTS ICON & AMERICAN HERO, Who's contribution to this great nation will never be forgotten !!!

Let's turn to each other and not on each other.

>>
Melanie Lester
April 5, 2020
Thank you Rev. Lowery for your many sacrifices and contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. May your soul rest eternally.
Kayla Pikes
April 5, 2020
Rest well Rev. Lowery, your legacy and works live on.
Andrea
April 5, 2020
Rest in Heaven. Job well done.Blessing to this family.
James Bunkley
April 5, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Cheryl Thomas-Tate
April 5, 2020
May the fond memories that you have of your father be a source of comfort to you, now and in the years to come.
Em McNair
April 5, 2020
Rest in Heaven, Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery. Praying for the family.
ROBERT & Valentina Boulware
April 5, 2020
Well Done Rev.Lowery you will always be miss and thought about, you did a good job, you always thought about the least of theses.....
william grissom
April 5, 2020
Thank you for all your life works! Thank you for standing on the front line of justice for us....we love and miss you! Such a great man....get your rest.
Maya Pennant
April 5, 2020
May God award your soul for all the good work you have provided. Thank You My Brother in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Bro. David Goodall, Sr.(Xi Delta Lambda Chapter, Henrico County Virginia.
April 5, 2020
Jacqueline Lindsey
April 5, 2020
Thanks for fighting for us...we appreciate it
Z.J.M
April 5, 2020
A kind and loving man who shared his life with all the people. Let your light shine. One ❤
Naima Major
April 5, 2020
Thanks for the chat we had years ago about my Beloved, the late Rev. John W. Barbee, Progressive Baptist Church, Nashville, TN. His "Street Lieutenant" was the late Rev. James Orange. Had you not sacrificed for us, we'd not be a better society. This pandemic may be what it takes to make all see we need each other. Soon, we'll be the ideal and the "Dream will come true".
Patricia Barbee
April 5, 2020
A warrior for peace
Don Edwards
April 5, 2020
Condolences to the Lowery family.

What a man! What a mighty good man. He fulfilled the work God sent him to do; now the faithful servant is at home with his Lord. We should all be so lucky.
Ruby McDaniel
April 5, 2020
Dad said you were great roommates and friends. Were he alive today, we'd be celebrating his 100th birthday on April 29th.
The Peters Family
William Peters
April 5, 2020
Sending sincere condolences to the family and praying that GOD's strength will be your strength during this time of sorrow.
Debbye and Kemberlea Washington
April 5, 2020
Job well done. Rest in eternal peace.
C Burton
April 5, 2020
THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK; NOW YOU CAN TAKE OF REST.
EDNA WINSTEAD
April 5, 2020
Another Angel rests in Eternal life. Gone but never forgotten. RIP soldier for God.
Jacqueline Fields
April 4, 2020
Monumental figure of civil rights who fought against the cause of injustices and for freedoms that we still continue to hold dear to our hearts today. God bless his legacy and his family. He made an imprint on the struggle for equality and it shall never falter.
J. Edward Griffin
April 4, 2020
Well Done, Thy Good & Faithful Servant. May you Rest in Eternal Peace.
Alabama Native
April 4, 2020
Thank You for decades of service helping Our People to receive Justice and Opportunities in this nation. YOU have truly earned your rest.
Sharon Sanders Brooks
April 4, 2020
Well done. Good and Faithful Servant!
Mary Williams
April 4, 2020
Thank you for your Honorable and Faithful service to the Nation and the City of Atlanta!
David McKoy
April 4, 2020
REV. JAMES &CATHERINE HOLLINGWORTH SEND OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE KENNEDY FAMILY
Rev. James M HOLLINGSWORTH Hollingsworth
April 4, 2020
May you rest in heaven. Thanks for your service to mankind while you were here on earth.
Janice English
April 4, 2020
Rest In PEACE Dr. Joseph Lowery, may the LORD'S work that you have done, speaks for you. Another soldier on the battlefield has answered the call of an ALMIGHTY GOD who rules HEAVEN and EARTH. May GOD continue to BLESS and keep your family in the PEACE that surpasses all understanding. May your Beautiful and Strong Legacy live on in your family and everyone that LOVED and Respected you in JESUS name.
Sarah Winston-Johnson
April 4, 2020
Rest In Peace Mighty Man Of God.
Michael Flanigan
April 4, 2020
Our deepest sympathy and respect to the family of Dr. Joseph Lowery. A humble servant of God and a great inspiration to all mankind. Heaven is rejoicing to welcome him home to live forever. Be encouraged family
Rev. Thurmond and Lawanda Tillman
April 4, 2020
Heaven and Earth Rev. Lowery are celebrating your service. "His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Sleep Well! Julia
April 4, 2020
He was one of a kind! He left a legacy that will last forever. RIP
Jackie Patterson
April 4, 2020
Our condolences to the family of this dear, kind, great man.
Paul and Louis
April 4, 2020
Thank you for your service Dr. Lowery.
Barbar Bell
April 4, 2020
My prayers and condolences go out to the Lowery family. We have lost our gentle giant. I am so grateful and blessed to have served under and learn from both Dr. & Mrs. Lowery. They were not only my bosses, mentors and heroes, they were my second family and very special friends.

Thank you Dr. Lowery for your love, for your sacrifices, for your dedication and your leadership. You are finally home to take your place with Jesus Christ. Rest in peace my leader and friend. You have done far more for others and this world than you will ever know, but rest assured that you have done well thy good and faithful servant. I love you. You will forever remain in my heart and I will continue to carry the torch you have lit in me until we meet again at our Savior's feet.

I always use to tease you with so much admiration about how giddy you would be whenever you use to say; "Sandy, call my wife and tell her I want to take her to lunch!" Or, when I would hear the two of you laughing as you talked on the phone or when we were all out together. There was always so much love between you two. I can already see you and Mrs. Lowery together again acting like love struck teenagers as you hold hands again. Enjoy your Heavenly home together. It was hard earned and well deserved. I love and miss you both.

How fitting that your home going Celebration be held on April 4th!
Sandy White
April 3, 2020
My sincere condolences to the Lowery family. Dr. Lowery was such a sweet person. May God bless his beautiful soul. R.I.P
Tina Walker
April 3, 2020
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
The Staff of Willie A. Watkins, Inc.
April 1, 2020
My deepest sympathy to the family.
Dorothy Gaines
April 1, 2020
Thank you so much for doing what you were born to do which was make a difference and help others that couldn't help themselves. You are beloved and missed.
Zariya Biggs
April 1, 2020
Thanks for all the work you've done and all the people you've inspired, Sir.
Frankie Boyd
March 31, 2020
I believe that God places people in place and time according to His holy purpose and the needs of all humanity. We thank you for your love and your work for us all, Rev. Doctor Joseph Lowery! Rest In Power, Sir ~ Hazel M. Smith, Atlanta, GA
Hazel Smith
March 31, 2020
Thank you giving so much to us. You truly earned your wings. Condolences to the family
Melodye Wilson Whitfield
March 31, 2020
Thank you Rev. Joseph E. Lowery for the hard, dedicated work you have done for your people, for your church, for the world. You fought a good fight and ran an awesome race. May God open the doors of Heaven and welcome you in to join Him, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, your beautiful wife, Evelyn, and all the saints that have gone before you and welcome you in to sit at that Heavenly table to feast with them all. Our good and faithful servant, rest in peace and may your Legacy live on in your name, Sir.

To the family, may your hearts be comforted during this time and may you treasure the precious gift of him being your earthly Father.

I love you all and my prayers are certainly with you.
Gail Tompkins
March 31, 2020
To a great man and servant of his fellowman, Civil Rights Giant. May His soul rest in peace.
Joan George
March 31, 2020
A wonderful legacy will be missed, thank you for a service well done. Thank God for sending you. Rest In Peace Rev Lowery
Terrell & Deborah
March 31, 2020
To the Lowery Family,
My heart is heavy at the passing of this GIANT of a MAN. I have admired him from afar all of my life. I grew up in the era of the Civil Rights movement and struggles, I watched and listen to everything that he had to say about the struggles of the people and I can truly say that the words from his mouth are forever etched into my memory. May God give you the comfort and peace knowing that this GIANT walked among men down here on earth and now he is with the heavenly FATHER getting his wings and crown.
JOYCE ECHOLS
March 31, 2020
Thank you Dr. Lowery for your dedicated service. My deepest condolences to his family.
Christa Bowman
March 30, 2020
Thank you for all the wisdom, leadership and all your dedicated service you shared with the people of the world.
Matthew Winston
March 30, 2020
My heart felt condolences to the family and friends. Rev Joseph E. Lowery will be forever remembered, his Legacy will live on with the people. Thank you so much for Great Leadership. God Bless!!!
Kirstie Arnold
March 30, 2020
I met Reverend Joseph Lowery twice and each time I was in awe of how inspirational he was and just being in his presence was truly stimulating to me to want to be a better person by giving back to my community and making a positive difference in the lives of others. A genuine civil rights icon who has left an indelible impression as he tirelessly fought for fairness in his battle for equality in this country. Reverend Joseph Lowery will be missed but not forgotten.
Spencer Wiggins
March 30, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Rev. Lowry's passing. My condolences to your family and friends. He is an example of what a REAL man and leader should be. He was a true spokesperson for the rights of African-Americans and other minorities.

I thank him and your family for sharing this great leader and I pray that others will follow in his steps of providing wisdom and self-control. I know that he is welcomed by our FATHER GOD. Bless all of us who are still on this side without him.
Phyllis Jones
March 30, 2020
Ride on King Jesus, no man can hinder you
March 30, 2020
I was so sorry to hear of Rev. Lowry's death. My condolences to his family and friends. I never met him but followed him for most of my life. He was an elegant spokesperson for the rights of African-Americans and other minorities. God speed!
Cornelia Hunter
March 30, 2020
He was a great man and leader hopefully other great leaders will follow in his steps as they grow old with knowledge and wisdom. Bless you and your family great job well done.
Reggis Hicks
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