Elizabeth Ann “Libby” Brawley Lowder, 89, passed away on December 27, 2023, in Mooresville, N.C. She was a deeply loved and cherished wife, mother, nana, sister, teacher, and friend.
Libby was born July 23, 1934, in Mooresville to the late Annie Houston and George Whitfield Brawley Sr.
She graduated from Mooresville High School in 1952. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education from Appalachian State Teachers College in 1956, where she met the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Laurence Lowder. Libby and Dick married June 20, 1959, at Vanderburg United Methodist Church, and to this union was born their beloved daughter, Leigh Scarborough Lowder. Richard Lowder preceded her in death in 2016.
She is survived by her daughter, Leigh Lowder Whitfield and her husband Michael Gregory Whitfield (Greg). She is also survived by her two adored grandsons, Michael Gregory Whitfield Jr. and Richard Lowder Whitfield. Her brother, George Whitfield Brawley Jr., also survives, along with her niece and nephew, Dale Whitfield Brawley (Donna) and Susan Brawley McGarry. She is also survived by her aunt, and lifelong best friend, Nancy Houston McClure of Wilson, N.C., and many special cousins, great nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Lowder was an educator of 40 years having taught at first West Mecklenburg High School post-graduation from college and then a year at Celeste Henkel before her 35-year tenure in the Mooresville Graded School District, where she became an institution at Mooresville Senior High School. She taught generations of Mooresville High School students as well as many Mitchell Community College students throughout the years Business Education courses, most notably Typing, but her manners and professional business etiquette imparted knowledge and lessons that remained with her students for a lifetime. In addition to teaching business courses, she served in numerous club advisor roles through the years. She was a diligent instructor, and her students loved and respected her deeply. These relationships with her former students brought her and her family much joy, and the many cards, calls, visits, and well wishes helped sustain her in the last years of her life.
In addition to her service in public education, Mrs. Lowder worked for the Iredell County Board of Elections for over 30 years. She was appointed as a Chief Judge for Coddle Creek Precinct #3. She also was appointed by the mayor to serve as a member of the Board of Commissioners for the Mooresville Housing Authority for 20 years.
She was a lifetime member of Vanderburg Methodist Church, where she was baptized and married and enjoyed serving in numerous leadership roles, including Sunday School teacher and Sunday School Superintendent. Her service will be held at Vanderburg Methodist Church on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 3 p.m. with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Vanderburg Methodist Church General Fund or the Lowder Scholarship Fund.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Lowder family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.