Wilma Carol (Gilliam) Lowery

Carol was born on February 22, 1936 in Spout Springs, Harnett County, North Carolina to the late David R. Gilliam Sr. and Wilma Cochrane Gilliam.

She attended Emerald Isle Baptist Church and was baptized in 1948 in the old First Baptist Church in Elkin, NC. Carol was a 1954 graduate of Elkin High School.

When her health permitted, Carol loved walking the beaches and enjoyed picking up shells, sharks’ teeth and other mementos from the ocean. Over the years, she loved being home with her growing family, while providing a Christian atmosphere for her children and their many friends.

Carol enjoyed driving their RV; especially traveling to the beach for several years before moving to Emerald Isle. She loved to bake pound cakes, cookies, and sausage balls! Carol loved sports. She loved Carolina basketball and football. Carol would discuss civic awareness and she would more than discuss politics!

It was also remembered that Carol was the First Lady of Jonesville, North Carolina from 1972-1973.

She was preceded in death by her infant son John Gilliam Lowery, parents, grandson Zachary Dylan Lowery, and brother David R. “D.R” Gilliam, Jr. (Glenda).

Carol is now survived by her loving husband Gilbert “Gil” Lowery of sixty-six years and seven months, her 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, Noelle G. Lowery; great-grandchildren, Austin Lancaster (Allie), Jonathon Lancaster, Kaitlyn Johnson, Jessica Lindsey, Ingle Lindsey, Lily Marie Parker, and Aiden Parker; great-great-grandchildren; Tyler R. Finley, Oaklee Lancaster, and Lainee Lancaster.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 1 pm at Bethel Baptist Church, 1111 West Chatham Street, Cary NC 27511. The family will receive friends from 12pm - 1pm.

Burial will follow on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Crestwood Memorial Gardens (Hwy 21 North of Elkin, NC).

Flowers will be accepted and donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice in honor of Carol.

Flowers will be accepted at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home (Cary) from January 20, 2026 until day of service.