Cortez "Gil" Gilbert Lowery

Gilbert was born on June 15, 1935, in State Road, Surry County, North Carolina to the late Cortez Lowery and Mary Elizabeth Yarboro. He was a 1953 graduate of Elkin High School. Gilbert attended Emerald Isle Baptist Church and was baptized in 1946 at the old First Baptist Church in Elkin, North Carolina.

Gilbert was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving honorably as a Hospital Corpsman during the Korean War. He lived a full and faithful life devoted to God, his family, his country and his community. He served as Mayor of Jonesville, North Carolina, from 1972 to 1973, was active in politics, coached football and remained involved in the church throughout his life.

Above all, Gilbert was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. He loved walking on the beach with his beloved bride, Carol, fishing on the pier, cheering on the North Carolina Tar Heels and spending time with his dog, Duncan. He treasured every opportunity to visit with his growing family and faithfully served as a godly patriarch to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wilma Carol Gilliam Lowery; his infant son, John Gilliam Lowery; his parents; his grandson, Zachary Dylan Lowery; and his brothers, Billy Franklin Yarboro (Joanne) and Robert Wendell Lowery (Elouise).

He is survived by his daughter, Amy Lowery New (James); sons, David G. Lowery (Lori), M. Scott Lowery (Cathy) and Jason R. Lowery (Deborah); grandchildren, Amy Michele Reynolds (Jimmy), Joshua D. Parker, Garrett D. Lowery (Kamryn), Brandon S. Lowery and Noelle G. Lowery; great-grandchildren, Austin Lancaster (Allie), Jonathon Lancaster, Kaitlyn Johnson, Jessica Lindsey, Ingle Lindsey, Lily Marie Parker and Aiden Parker; and great-great-grandchildren, Tyler R. Finley, Oaklee Lancaster and Lainee Lancaster.

Donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice in honor of Gilbert.

Visitation will be held at Bethel Baptist Cary, 1111 W Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511, on May 8, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Bethel Baptist Cary, 1111 W Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511, on May 8, 2026, at 12:00 pm.

A Committal Service with Military Honors will be held at Crestwood Memorial Gardens, 914 US-21, State Road, NC 28676, on May 9, 2026, at 2:00 pm.