Steven Lowell Easter

Steven Lowell Easter peacefully passed away on the morning of Jan. 18, 2025, at his home in Greensboro, N.C. He was 67. Lowell was a fiercely devoted and generous husband, father, grandfather, friend and business partner. He was born on March 19, 1957, in Lexington, Ky., to Ray and Martha Easter. He grew up in Burlington, N.C., and Greensboro, N.C., on the dairy farm of his beloved grandparents, Ardith and Lloyd Gallimore.

Lowell graduated from Wake Forest University and remained a lifelong fan of the Demon Deacons. He earned an MBA from UNC Greensboro. At the age of 25, in partnership with Easter & Eisenman, Lowell assembled 1,100 acres to develop the Piedmont Centre business park, which physically and economically ties together the cities of High Point and Greensboro. In more recent years, he and his partners acquired and operated a multitude of office and retail holdings, including Green Valley Office Park of Greensboro.

Lowell served on many boards over the years including the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, High Point Regional Hospital, High Point Chamber and Greensboro Country Club.

Lowell had a unique ability to take the long view in life and business, often making plans in terms of decades. He could take a sketch on the back of a napkin and turn it into a shopping center.

Lowell rarely minced words. His partners and friends appreciated his knack for sharing candid feedback with a smile and a genuine desire to help others succeed. Lowell’s vision for the Triad and willingness to bet on its future emboldened others to invest in developing the region.

As much as he achieved in business, Lowell considered his family to be his greatest accomplishment in life. He traveled the world with his wife, Cathy, and enjoyed frequent family trips with his daughters, Ellen and Catherine. He especially cherished weekends at the family’s house on Badin Lake.

Even in his leisure time, Lowell never stood still, pursuing such active pastimes as paddle boarding, scuba diving, swimming, snow skiing, waterskiing, basketball, running and tennis.

In March 2022, Lowell survived a hemorrhagic stroke that greatly limited his physical capacities. He retained his shrewd mind for business, quality of character, sharp wit and dry sense of humor.

The Easter family extends its deepest gratitude to the many friends who have supported Lowell in the past three years.

Lowell is survived by his wife of 38 years, Cathy Gilbert Easter; and daughters, Ellen and her husband Laughton Jones of Charlotte, N.C.; and Catherine and her husband John Hamlin of Raleigh, N.C. He was known as “Hop” to his five grandchildren, Ellis, Albee and Wells Jones, and Jack and Henry Hamlin. Lowell is also survived by his father, Ray; sister, Jana Vetter, and husband Jeff; brother, Marcel, and wife Susan. He is preceded in death by his mother, Martha.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, 617 North Elm Street, Greensboro, N.C., followed by a reception at 4 p.m. at Proximity Hotel.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Brooks Foundation, which supports the mission of Brooks Rehabilitation of Jacksonville, Fla., where Lowell underwent extensive therapy following his stroke. Donations can be made online at BrooksRehab.org/donate or mailed to Brooks Foundation, 3599 University Blvd. S., Jacksonville, FL 32216.

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the Easter family with arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared by visiting www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com