Joyce Ann (Thompson) Lowry, 77, died peacefully in Savannah on Saturday, March 23, 2024.

She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Robert (Bob) E. Lowry, Jr.

Joyce was born in Sciotoville, Ohio, the second child (and first and only daughter) of Cleo Wells and Thelma Delores (Hall) Thompson. She and her four brothers were raised on a small farm in a house built by her father, where she had fond memories of walking the “holler” or playing in the “crick.” She attended Minford High School and graduated with the class of 1965. She was married on January 20, 1967, to Bob Lowry. They had one son, Stephen.

Joyce loved to laugh and sing and brightened the day of anyone who came in contact with her. She loved her family, her church (a lifelong Seventh-Day Adventist), and her friends. She could often be found working in her garden where she could easily spend the day. Joyce had a beautiful voice and loved to sing in the choir or around the house. She loved all music but especially gospel songs. She brightened many birthdays for her loved ones by singing a special song, “Today is your birthday that’s what I’ve been told . . .” 

Joyce was easy to get along with and had a quick smile and an easy laugh. She often fell victim to her son’s practical jokes like always screaming at the same rubber snake wherever it was hidden around the house, after screaming she would then burst into laughter.  After she had granddaughters, Joyce wanted to spend as much time as she could with them. They loved her “Dave Stories” based on the exploits of her older brother which were always filled with lots of mischief.

At first, Joyce was a hairstylist which she thoroughly enjoyed. After a lung disease caused her to quit professional hairstyling, she still enjoyed cutting and styling hair for family, friends, neighbors, or anyone who needed or wanted it. Joyce later became a specialist in Human Resources and Payroll at various businesses, but her pride was working for the General Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).

Joyce leaves behind her son, Stephen Lowry (Leilani) of Savannah, Georgia; granddaughters Hannah Kaye Lowry and Ella Marley Lowry of Savannah; brothers John Thompson (Barb) of Portsmouth, Ohio, and Roger Thompson (Heidi) of Marion, Ohio; Cousin Kathy Payne (who was like a sister); and Sister-in-law Barb Thompson (who was more like a sister) and multiple nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.

A visitation and celebration of her life will be held from 2-4 pm on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Fox and Weeks at 7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you consider a donation in Joyce’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org. Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease and must be defeated.