Mr. Myron Lewis Lowery

Myron Lewis Lowery was born December 26, 1946, in Columbus, Ohio. He was the first son of Myron Lowery, Sr., and Mary Lowery. As a child his lively, active and inquisitive nature earned him the nickname of “Skippy”. Myron early years were influenced by his spiritual lessons at the Church of Christ Apostolic Faith.

Myron developed an immense love for being an orator at an early age and was a great inspiration for many others. He attended East High School in Columbus, Ohio and graduated in 1964. Myron was an Honor Roll Student, President of the Glee Club and President of the Student Council. He had an immense love of music of all kinds. Myron’s oratorical skills were outstanding. And at an early age he was inspiration for others. His lifelong civic skills also provided gateway for many, many success stories.

His Legacy Defined His Life of Service

Myron received his B.A. degree from LeMoyne-Owen College and His Master’s Degree from New York University. While living in New York, he taught for three years in New York public school system with the National Teachers’ Corp. While in New York, former LeMoyne College President, Dr. Hollis Price, encouraged Myron to pursue a career in journalism. Which led him to work as an anchor and reporter at WMC Television Station. He was one of the first black journalist to hold that role in the Memphis market.

These are few of his accomplishments:

After leaving WMC TV, Myron went on to work as press secretary for Congressman Harold Ford, Sr. He was a manager of corporate relations at FedEx. In 1991, Myron ran for Memphis City Council and won. He was a speaker at the Democratic National Convention when President Bill Clinton won the Democratic primary. He served as a superdelegate at the Democratic National Convention in 2008, at which Barack Obama won the Democratic primary.

In his role on City Council, Lowery initiated successful gun buy-back programs. He was instrumental in the installation of red-light cameras at busy intersections. The reform of some of the city Council’s discussion processes. He chaired the term limits committee. Myron was elected to the Memphis City Council five times and is the longest serving African American to ever serve on the council, a historical feat that will never be replicated in the City of Memphis. Myron was also elected to the Memphis Charter Commission and was selected as the Chairman of the body. He was elected Chairman of the Memphis City Council an unprecedented five times, earning him the appropriate title of Chairman Emeritus. He made history as the only Memphis official elected to all three branches of city government and was the longest serving African American on the Memphis City Council.

In 2016, the Memphis City Council dedicated an honorary street bearing his name and the title of Chairman Emeritus in the city’s downtown. In 2009, Myron served as Mayor Pro Tempore of the City of Memphis. During that time, Lowery sought to promote openness and transparency in city government. In 2023, LeMoyne-Owen College, dedicated a residential building that Myron gifted to the college as the Lowery Communications Center. This building now provides students with the resources to learn broadcasting, podcasting and journalism skills. The Lowery Communications Center houses a radio station and a TV studio providing resources for the next generation of journalist and media professionals.

Myron was a member of the board of directors for the National League of Cities. He has been a member of the board of many civic organizations, including the Tennessee Municipal League, Leadership Memphis, The Memphis Zoo and the HeadStart Policies Council. He has also served as Vice President of the National Association of Black Journalists, Chairman of the Democratic Municipal Officials, and Treasurer of the United Negros’ College Fund’s National Alumni Council. He holds an honorary degree from Southeastern College of Technology. Lowery has been honored as one of the Three Outstanding Young Men in the State of Tennessee and Ten Outstanding Young Men in America by the Tennessee Jaycees. Myron was inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame.

Myron departed this life Saturday, September 27, 2025. To cherish his memory, Myron leaves his loving wife of 38 years, Mary Lowery; two sons, Mickell (Chonisa) Lowery; Carlos Reed, one daughter, Carol Reaves; three brothers, Michael (Frann), Steve (Phenon) Lowery, Dwight (Cookie) Stewart; grandchildren, Bryanna and Brooklyn Reaves, Channise, Myla and Milan Lowery; sister-in-law, Barbara Campbell-Bingham. Myron was preceded in death by his parents Myron Lowery, Sr. and Mary Lowery, and brother, Dwight Lowery.

Myron will be solely missed by his nephews, nieces, cousins and an abundance of friends.

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure.

You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”

A heartfelt tribute to your enduring legacy.

For the example of phenomenal excellence, we thank you!