Joseph W. Lowery, Sr.

Mr. Joseph W. Lowery, Sr., 83, of New Philadelphia, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 17, 2020, from Mercy Medical Center at Canton.

Born at Luverne, Alabama on July 26, 1937, he was one of 17 sons and daughters born to the late Charles Herbert and Bessie Lee (Long) Lowery. Joe excelled at football, basketball, and track at Dover High School where he was given the nickname “Jumpin’ Joe”. He was a member of the Dover High School class of 1957. Then, he honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Joe led a life of passionate service to his church, his community, his family, and his Lord. From 1960 to the early 1970s, Joe owned and operated C.H. Lowery & Sons scrap dealership until eminent domain forced the closing of the business. Joe went on to work with AEP, retiring after 26 years of service to the company as an equipment operator. He was a member of the UMWA Local 1188. He was also a devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Dover, where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and sang in the church choir. In addition, he held various offices with the New Era Baptist District Association and affiliated churches.

He was a Past Master of the J. B. Easley Lodge # 111 and a current member of Hiram Abiff Lodge #72 in Canton. Additionally, his hobbies included hunting, fishing, gardening, and attending his grandchildren’s activities. He was also an avid Buckeyes, Browns, Cavs and Indians fan and enjoyed supporting area sports teams. His family remembers his love for grilling at gatherings also. Finally, he coached his children’s Little League Baseball teams for many years.

Joe married the love of his life, the former Annie M. Mills on June 8, 1963 in Uhrichsville who survives. He will also be deeply missed by his children, Leland White of California, Rhonda D. Lowery of Akron, Joseph (Janet Puza) Lowery, Jr. of New Philadelphia, Bruce (former wife, Jennifer) Lowery of New Philadelphia, and Brian K. Lowery of Columbus. He is cherished by his grandchildren, Danielle (Adam) Bouhachem, Kayla Lowery, LJ Lowery, III, Noah Lowery Fulp, Jadan Lowery, Tiffany Marie White, Monique Nicole White, Leland Christopher White, LeAngelo Areus White, Brandon Kenneth Jackson, Jayden Anthony White, Laree Metzger, and Jaleel Metzger; great-grandchildren, Amir Bouhachem, Kaiden Robert Spicer, Owen Russell Spicer, and Jewelianna Metzger; and his surviving siblings, Cleo Harper of Detroit, Mich., Fronie Peterson of New Philadelphia, Orpah Harvey of Detroit, Mich., Carol Sims of Trotwood, Ohio, Linda Brown of Detroit, Mich., and Jo-Lynn (Anthony) Miller of Detroit, Mich.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jessie B. Lowery, Veronica Lowery, Brenda Lowery, Grace Mills, Elsie White, Shirley Mills, and James (Evelyn) Mills; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Joe is preceded in death by his twin sister, Josephine Lowery who died at birth; his siblings, James Lowery, Eula Green, Naomi Barnett, Ruth McKenzie, Grant Lowery, Charles Lowery Jr., Ed Lowery, Edna Peterson, and Jeanette Grant; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.

Friends are invited to call Saturday, October 24, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Geib Funeral Center at 5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover. A Masonic Lodge of Sorrow will begin at 12:30 p.m. Pastor Rasheed As-Samad and Jeff Matthews will lead a Private Homegoing Service following the Masonic Service in the funeral home.

All are welcome to watch the service LIVE on Facebook begining at 1 p.m. on the Geib facebook page at www.facebook.com/geibcares.

Due to Covid 19, safety precautions will be taken. With that in mind, the 6-foot rule will be honored and all guests are to wear a mask. For the safety of everyone, and to allow other guests to pay their respects, we politely ask that visitors do not linger at the funeral home after greeting the Lowery family.

All are invited to share memories and condolences with the family and light a candle in memory of Joe by visiting his permanent memorial on the funeral home’s website.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dover First Baptist Church, 140 Regent Street, Dover, OH 44622.