Virginia Jane Lowe

Virginia Jane Lowe, age 103, a lifelong resident of Eaton County, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026. Born on June 12, 1922, on the Austin Centennial Farm in Eaton County, Virginia was the daughter of Jay O. and Blanche (Cole) Austin. Raised with strong rural values, she remained deeply rooted in the Potterville-Charlotte community throughout her remarkable life.

Virginia was a respected businesswoman, serving as co-owner and operator of Lowe Brothers & Dad and Lowe Bros. & Mom in Charlotte. She was also a former Charlotte City Council Member, a longtime Treasurer of the Women's Business Guild, a dedicated member of the Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital Board of Directors and its Women's Auxiliary, and an active supporter of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Faith played an important role in her life as she attended Potterville Methodist Church (Sycamore Church) and later Charlotte Congregational Church.

As a mother, Virginia never missed a Scouting meeting, school function, or athletic event for her sons-or for their many friends, who were always welcomed into her home. Sleepovers were frequent, meals were plentiful, and encouragement was constant. She fed and supported countless young men and faithfully attended Potterville athletic events for many years.

Virginia and Bill were married in 1950 and were partners in life and business which spanned decades. Together, they built not only a successful business, but a home filled with warmth, hospitality, and unwavering support for family and friends. Bill, an MPGA Past President, shared Virginia's love of community and leadership. They enjoyed extensive travel throughout the United States with their sons and were especially blessed to visit six continents together. Music filled her home and her heart-she cherished the Big Band era of the 1930s and 1940s, loved The Sound of Music, and spent many happy hours listening to Lawrence Welk and watching Little House on the Prairie, MASH*, and Dr. Pohl, all while keeping up with current events.

Virginia was a devoted mother to her sons, Charles A. Lowe, David W. (Marie) Lowe and Richard C. (Dee Dee) Lowe, and daughter, Mary Margaret Lowe and took immense pride in their accomplishments, including David's service as an MPGA Past President and Richard's distinguished career as an attorney.

Above all, Virginia was known as a compassionate listener. She offered guidance gently, without judgment or prejudice, providing thoughtful counsel to friends, family, business associates, and especially to David and Richard as they navigated life's journeys. She often remarked how fortunate she felt to have lived such a full and blessed life, rich in experiences, relationships, and cherished memories. Her impact on family generations spans more than lifetime.

She is also survived by sons, David W. (Marie) Lowe; and Richard C. (Dee Dee) Lowe; grandchildren, Alexander C. (Staci) Lowe;, Lance W. (Tara) Lowe, Matthew R. Lowe, and Calli OP (Bryce) Becker; great-grandchildren Tyson D. Lowe, Brady A. Lowe, Ethan Lowe, Austin S. Lowe, and Rosalee Lowe; and great-great-granddaughter, Rayna K. Lowe; step-grandchildren, Jennifer (Jeff) Heath, Gabrielle Hall, Aurora (Nate) Powers, Cole Harris, and Bay Harris; step-great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Heath and Carter Heath; and great-great-grandson Bair; and nieces, Kathryn (Ruben) Doumanian, Kathleen (David) Dittman, Karen (Michael) Miller, Kristine (Randall) Wilger, Deborah (David) Jakubiec, Jennifer (Daniel) Thorwall, and Robin (Louis) Marchio. Her legacy of love spans generations.

Virginia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William "Bill" C. Lowe; son, Charles A. Lowe; daughter, Mary Margaret Lowe; granddaughters Elizabeth M. Lowe and Brandy A. Lowe; her parents; her brother, Richard O. Austin and his wife, Lillian; and her in-laws, Calvin P. and Velda (Robinson) Lowe.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the hospice nurses and caregivers who assisted Virginia over the past several years, especially Tara Lowe and Carol Taylor of Hospice of Lansing, for their compassionate dedication.

Virginia Jane Lowe lived a century marked by service, strength, grace, and steadfast love. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the community she faithfully served for decades.

The Lowe family will be holding a private graveside service at a later date. Friends are encouraged to support Virginia's family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lansing, 3186 Pinetree Rd., Lansing, MI 48911, and Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.