Whitley DeKoch Lowry

Whitley DeKoch Lowry died on April 4, 2008 in Houston, Texas at the age of 19. She was born on May 5, 1988 in Kingsville, Texas to Willis "Bill" and Juli Lowry. She was a 2006 graduate of H.M. King High School in Kingsville and a lifelong member of St. Gertrude's Catholic Church. She was a sophomore student at Texas AandM University-College Station. During her high school years Whitley was a member of the Latin Club, Student Council, Key Club, 4-H Club, FFA, Bluebonnet Drama Club, National Honor Society, and St. Gertrude's Catholic Youth Organization. She was project coordinator of the Student Council, class treasurer for all four years, president, vice president, council delegate, and treasurer of the Cactus 4-H Club, president and student advisor of Kingsville FFA, vice president of the Bluebonnet Drama Club, and executive board member of the National Honor Society. Whitley was a varsity cheerleader for three years and head cheerleader her senior year. She was an NCAA All-American Cheerleader for three years, held cheerleading Kiddie Camp for four years, held cheerleading clinic for Port Lavaca Junior High, and coached at All-American Cheer Company for two years. She was chosen 2006 Homecoming Queen, H.M. King Most Spirited, and H.M. King Best All-Around. She was named to Who's Who Among American High School Students in Academics and Athletics, USAA National Honor Roll Award, and invited to attend National Leadership Conference. She was in the top 10% of her class for her first three years of high school, and in the top 5% of her senior class. Whitley was a sophomore student at Texas AandM University-College Station majoring in Agricultural Leadership and Development. At Texas AandM University she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority and served as community services chairman for two years. She was an intern for the 2008 Houston Livestock Show. She was a two year member of Conference on Student Government Associations (COSGA). Whitley is survived by her parents, Willis "Bill" and Juli Lowry of Kingsville, her brother, Wade (Raegan) Lowry of Montgomery, and her grandparents, Bill and Ollie Lowry of New Braunfels, and F.J. and Connie DeKoch of Kingsville. Whitley gave the Gift of Life by being an organ donor. Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM on Monday, April 7, 2008 at St. Gertrude's Catholic Church. Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at St. Gertrude's Catholic Church with Father Piotr Koziel, Celebrant. Burial will follow in Chamberlain Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Whitley Lowry Scholarship Fund, c/o Ann DeKoch, Kleberg Bank, P.O. Box 911, Kingsville, TX 78364. Please join us in celebrating Whitley's life by visiting our memorial at www.mem.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville, TX 78363.