Virginia Louise Lowder

Virginia Louise Lowder, 84, of Mabelvale, Arkansas heard the Savior call her home on November 29, 2025. She was born to the late Roy James and Helen (Hargrove) James on September 15, 1941, in DeWitt, Arkansas.

Virginia grew up in DeWitt, where she graduated high school and later continued her education at Draughon Business School. She often shared stories of her early years in Little Rock, walking downtown to the dime store, visiting the bakery, laughing with her friends, and enjoying the simple pleasures that shaped her youthful spirit.

Her life changed the day she met her husband. From that moment on, they shared a partnership full of devotion, one that even began with a bowling-alley love story. They were married in Hot Springs on their way to a tournament. Wherever he was, she was close behind, taking care of him with both tenderness and pride.

She was happiest surrounded by family, whether she was fishing at Pt. Deluce, coaching softball team with her husband, or sitting at the kitchen table putting on her makeup, and Estée Lauder perfume that lingered in rooms long after she had left, as did her warmth. She was everyone's team mom, scorekeeper, and confidante.

Everyone who knew her would agree that her heart was enormous. She could cry watching the news, and if a child was ever hurt or sick, she'd grab our hand and say, "We need to pray for them." That compassion was who she was.

Virginia was preceded by her husband, Harry Lowder; parents, Roy and Helen James; siblings, Melvin James, Oscar James, Robert James, Albert James and Geneva James.

She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Hartwick (Mike); step-son, Derek Lowder (Maya); grandchildren, Brady Hartwick, Cody Hartwick (Amber), Braden Lowder, and Bryce Lowder; great grandchildren, Madisyn Hauk, Noah Hauk and Esme Hartwick; siblings, Mary Barnard (Butch), Margie Breshears, Benny James, Doris Phagan, and Tabitha Bradberry.

Celebration of life will be on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. with visitation one hour prior at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest at Forest Hills Memorial Park.