Alpha Mae Lowrie, 76, of Greenwood, Arkansas, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 14, 2026, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Born on June 13, 1949, in Honey Island, Texas, Alpha Mae Lowrie (née Griffin) was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose life was defined by hard work, love for family, and unwavering generosity. A proud cancer survivor, Alpha faced life with strength, resilience, humor, and faith.
Alpha was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joe Lowrie; her parents, Doner C. Griffin and Ollie Mae Jones (née Rhoudes); her son-in-law, Trevor Byers; and her siblings, Donnie Griffin, Jimmy Griffin, and Connie Peoples.
She is survived by her children, Donna Byers of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Lisa Ponce and husband, Orlando of Snyder, Texas, Joey Lowrie and wife, Candice of Coldwater, Mississippi and Kenney Landers of Pocola, Oklahoma. She also leaves behind her siblings, Clifton Griffin of Knoxville, Tennessee and Ronnie Griffin of Hobbs, New Mexico. Alpha’s legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren, Jamie Walling and husband, Seth of Leesville, Louisiana, Justin Johnston and wife, Nikki of Snyder, Texas, Chris Byers and wife, Amanda of Conroe, Texas, Jennifer O’Mara and husband, John-Michael of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Miranda Smith and husband, Cameron of Arkabutla, Mississippi, Deanna Buckner and husband, Chris of Greenwood, Arkansas, Chase Lowrie and wife, Lena of Arkabutla, Mississippi and Nathan Ponce of Snyder, Texas. She was also blessed with 17 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy to her life, Bailey (19), Haidyn (19), Rayder (15), Rylei (15), Rian (15), Abigail (14), Chandler (12), Kenlei (12), Emreigh (12), Serenity (11), Graham (9), Piper (8), Layla (7), Reagan (7), Ella (6), David (4), and Liam (1).
Alpha devoted much of her life to caring for children through her work at a daycare, a role that perfectly reflected her nurturing heart. She was never afraid to get her hands dirty and took immense pride in keeping a spotless home and a beautifully manicured yard, tending to them faithfully until the very week of her passing. She loved the simple joys of life, cross-stitching, sudoku, solitaire, dominoes with family and friends, monthly lunches with friends, getting her nails done, watching Wheel of Fortune, and sipping Coca-Cola. She especially loved cooking beside her husband Joe, going to play games with her sister-in-law, Linda, hosting and attending family reunions, and welcoming loved ones into her home every holiday.
Those who knew Alpha will fondly remember her quirks and expressions, especially her habit of adding an “s” to places like “Walmart’s,” and her signature shocked response “DO WHAT?!?” She never met a stranger and never hesitated to help someone she loved. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew they could always count on their Meme for a spontaneous trip to the gas station for a Peach Crush and a Snickers or some jerky chew and a giant Coke (with “extry” ice).
A funeral service celebrating Alpha’s life and faith will be held 10 a.m., Monday, May 18 at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood with burial to follow at Steep Hill Cemetery. Viewing will be Sunday from 1 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home, where the family will visit with friends from 4 – 6 p.m.
Her obituary will be read and a special poem presented by her grandson, Chris Byers. Serving as pallbearers will be Kenney Landers, Seth Walling, John-Michael O’Mara, Lynn Weaver, Rick Carlisle and Chris Byers. Honorary pallbearers will be Rayder Broberg and Graham Byers.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who called, visited, prayed, and sent messages of love and support during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in honor of Alpha’s courageous journey as a cancer survivor. The family finds comfort in Alpha’s favorite poem “Footprints in the Sand,” trusting that the Lord carried Alpha safely home.
