Shirley Williams Lowe

1932 - 2024

Shirley Williams Lowe went to be with the Lord on March 30, 2024 at 5:02 am.

She was born in Memphis Tennessee at Methodist Hospital on September 24,1932 to her loving parents Robert and Ellen Williams of Rosemark, Tennessee. She was a descendant of Robert McCalla one of the first settlers of Rosemark.

Shirley graduated from Bolton High School and University of Memphis and enjoyed a long career teaching nursery school, substituting while raising her children, and later teaching high school History and Social Studies at Tipton Rosemark Academy. She loved being a teacher and kept in touch with many of her students throughout her life. Her teaching career was crowned by her induction into the TRA Hall of Fame in 2009. Shirley was proudly involved in her local community. She was a former President of the Rosemark Civic Club and the Rosemark Garden Club. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. As a lifelong member of the Richland ARP Church, she taught numerous Sunday School classes, Vacation Bible Schools and was active with the Women's Ministry.

Shirley was married to the love her life, Lt. Col Frank Lowe, for 57 years. Shirley and Frank lived in Washington DC for many years while Frank was in the Air Force. They made lifelong friends who they enjoyed spending time with into their retirement.

Shirley and Frank shared many hobbies including gardening, fishing, boating, traveling, camping, entertaining friends and family. "Sunday Night Suppers" with the Rosemark community and trips to Pickwick, especially with her brother Bobby and family, were among their favorite things to do. Springtime in Rosemark was Shirley's favorite time of year when the daffodils were blooming. She and Frank would often sit on their porch admiring the flowers in hopes of "company" stopping by for a visit to discuss life in Rosemark past and present. Everyone was always welcome on Rosemark Road!

Shirley was a devoted mother to her two daughters, Ruth Ellen Barnes (Finis III) and Suzanne Maley (John Paul); was a loving "Nanny" to her five grandchildren, Eric Maley (Lauren), John Maley (Elyse), Daniel Maley (Milk), Sarah Rooney (Kevin) and Thomas Barnes; and great-grandmother to one of her greatest joys in life, her five great-grandchildren, Adelyn Rooney, James Rooney. Colin Maley, Max Maley, and Hannah Jo Maley. Shirley was a wonderful friend to so many, notably her childhood friend, Garner Moore and her dear friend from the Air Force community, Ann Worzen. She loved and we are all so thankful for her devoted friend and caregiver, Wendy Campbell.

Shirley's impact on her family and community will last a lifetime. She will be dearly missed by all. As her eldest grandson Eric Maley said, "Everyone needs a Nanny!".

Please join us in celebrating her life at Richland ARP Church on April 27th at 11:00 am with a luncheon to follow in the memorial hall.

If desired memorials/flowers may be sent to Richland ARP Church.