Eleanor Lois Sumerel Brock Lowrance, born November 1, 1931, left this world on January 11, 2026, as a result of advanced age. Eleanor was born in Woodville, S.C., raised in Westminster, S.C., and graduated from Winthrop College in Rock Hill, S.C., in 1951. She was married to J. Vaughn Brock originally of Wilkes County, N.C., for 36 years until his unexpected death in 1988. Her second marriage was to Dewey Lowrance of Troutman, N.C., for 22 years until his death in 2015. For the last nine years of her life, she lived at the Masonic Home in Louisville, Ky., to be near her only child, Jim V. Brock (Mary), and their three children, Roger Brock (Jenna) of Wilmore, Ky.; Rachel McNulty (Jacob) of Richmond, Ky.; and, Kenny Brock (Brittany) of Lexington, Ky. Additionally, Eleanor is survived by seven great-grandchildren, Mckenzie, Presleigh, Walker, Levi, Sam, Amelia, and Elijah. Eleanor was also blessed to have several step-children, John Lowrance of Whiteville, N.C.; Billy Lowrance (DeDe) of Statesville, N.C.; Janet Jacobs (Jake) of Statesville, N.C.; Pat McGrew of Statesville, N.C.; and Christine Lowrance of Franklin, N.C. The Lowrance grandchildren include Laura Jones (Matt) of Youngsville, N.C.; Alison Carter (Chuck) of Statesville, N.C.; Taylor Parker of Statesville, N.C.; Patrick McGrew (Faye) of Durham, N.C.; and Spencer McGrew of Raleigh, N.C. She also has several step-great-grandchildren.
Eleanor spent most of her working years teaching elementary students (K-4th grade), primarily in Statesville. She was known as a strict disciplinarian in the public schools, and truly enjoyed her work. For years she was a leader in the Business and Professional Women’s Club in Statesville. She was also very active in Christian service as a layperson and Sunday School teacher in the Presbyterian denomination where she was raised, then as a Southern Baptist for most of her adult life, and finally in the ARP denomination during her senior years. Eleanor maintained a strong Bible study and prayer life throughout her many years, offering a strong Christian witness to those who knew her.
Eleanor was a highly intelligent woman who maintained a sharp memory until the end. She was also generous toward her family and church. She will be remembered as one who pushed hard to stay active and connected with her friends and family until the last weeks of her life. Memorial gifts will be appreciated and may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice in her name.
Visitation for Kentucky friends and family will be from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, at the Chapel of Crescent Grove, 250 Masonic Home Drive in Louisville. Visitation for North Carolina friends and family will be from 12 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home, 705 Davie Avenue in Statesville. Interment will be immediately following at Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Ms. Lowrance and her family.