Esther Mae Lowe

Esther Mae Lowe, 96, went home to be with the Lord on October 31, 2025. Born on June 12, 1929, to Edward Ford and Ida Youngblood in Biloxi, Mississippi, she grew up and attended school in Mobile, Alabama. After graduating from high school, she continued her education at Alabama State Teachers College, studying education.

In 1952 she moved to Chicago, where she worked as a key punch operator for the State of Illinois and later as a school bus driver. In 1961, she met Oscar, and six months later they married, they both were faithful servants of Jehovah. He preceded her in death after 37 years of marriage.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of Jehovah, Esther lived a life rooted in faith, humility, and service. She spent more than six decades as a Jehovah’s Witness, sharing her warm spirit, calm presence, and generous heart with everyone she encountered. Esther loved the Kingdom ministry deeply and devoted herself fully to it. She regular pioneered full-time in the ministry and helped many individuals learn about Jehovah and become Jehovah’s Witnesses. At home, she was known as an exceptional homemaker who loved singing hymns, studying her publications, sewing, cooking, and hosting gatherings where she shared and made countless dishes notably her famous homemade rolls, sweet potato pie, and fried chicken especially on our summer family road trips.  

She is survived by her son, Harold Henley (Janet, former wife) — children Shawn, Danina, and Matina; her daughters Joyce (Jerome, deceased) — children Sabrina, Tamika (Robert), and Shemurath; and Priscilla (Ataka, deceased) — children Portia (Kryss), Mercedes, and Yosef. In addition, she leaves behind fourteen grandchildren in total and thirty-two great-grandchildren, and a supportive circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Oscar; her parents, Eddie and Ida; five siblings (Frank, Ledy, Willie, Mildred, and Cile); two daughters, Barbra aka “Ifama” (adopted daughter Maxine) Anita (Charles and Brandi); and two granddaughters, Jensine and Jereba (Joyce).

Visitation and viewing will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 12:00 pm at Chicagoland Cremation Options, 9329 Byron St., Schiller Park, Illinois 60176 (near Irving Park & River Road). The repast will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm at The Grand Ballroom, 6351 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, Illinois.