Claire Cook Lowery

Claire Cook Lowery, 88, passed away Friday, April 15, 2016 in Colbert near Athens, GA. Born Lilly Claire Cook on June 3, 1927 in Milan, GA, she was the daughter of the late Alexander Millard Cook and Elizabeth Walker Cook. She was preceded in death by her husband Frank Harris Lowery, Sr. and brother Quay Cook¬.

Claire graduated from Milan High School, Middle Georgia College and attended Georgia Women’s College in Milledgeville. She was a National 4-H Project Winner in Home Beautification in 1944.

Claire married Frank Harris Lowery on June 15, 1947. The couple lived in Milan initially but moved all over Georgia residing in Athens, Cordele, and Fort Valley, teaching there in the local schools, before settling in Athens in 1960. She was a loving wife to Frank throughout their marriage and a devoted mother to their four children. She remained a loyal daughter and sister throughout the years attending weddings, graduations and celebrations with her large extended family. Hospitality was her signature as her children’s many friends were always welcome at the Lowery house on West View Drive where specialties like pound cake, peach pie, plum cake, and deviled eggs graced the family table. She was the local mom for many UGA-going nieces, nephews and cousins over the years.

Claire was a servant leader sharing her many gifts throughout the community. Frank and Claire were loyal and faithful members of St. James United Methodist Church serving in many leadership roles. A lifelong vocalist, she sang soprano in college and throughout her church life in the choir. She volunteered at Hope Haven, Barrow Elementary, Clarke Middle School, Athens High School and Clarke Central High School. She was the poll master for over 25 years serving at the Five Points Fire Station. Many will remember her fondly as a professional wedding director serving hundreds of couples over thirty-plus years. An accomplished seamstress, Claire could make anything from drapery to her three daughters’ wedding gowns.

Claire is survived by three daughters and one son: Beth Lowery Epling (Jerry) of Springfield, GA; Emily Lowery Woodward (Garland) of Snellville, GA; Lou Lowery Barnhardt (Hugh) of Atlanta, GA; Frank Harris Lowery Jr. (Laura) of Athens, GA. Her surviving brothers include Hal C. Cook (the late Hulda), of Warner Robins, GA; William D. Cook (Joan), of Jasper, GA; and Ben C. Cook (Marsha), of Marietta, GA. Her grandchildren are: Leigh Woodward Renfrow (Charles); Claire Elizabeth “Libby” Woodward White (Justin); Jay Barnhardt; Andrew Walker Barnhardt; Emily Elizabeth “Emmie” Barnhardt; Lily Lowery; and Jack Lowery. Her great-grandchildren include Blake Owens, Bailey Renfrow, Charlie Renfrow, and Ada Claire White. She was beloved as “Lilly Claire” to dozens of first cousins and “Aunt Claire” to many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Claire’s family would like to express a special thank you to the staff at Hampton House, Colbert, GA, Compassionate Care Hospice and her devoted caregiver Melissa Stratton.

The visitation will be held at Bernstein Funeral Home on Saturday, April 16 from 5-8 p.m. The funeral will be held at St. James United Methodist Church in Athens, GA. on Sunday, April 17, at 3 p.m. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to St. James UMC, 111 West Lake Dr., Athens, GA 30606.