Barbara Jean Lowery

Barbara Jean Martin Lowery, age 80, of LaVergne and formerly from the Scottsboro community in Ashland City, passed away Thursday, October 26, 2023. Born August 24,1943 she was a founding member of Scottsboro Baptist Church and a graduate of Cumberland High School, where she was a 4-H member, a cheerleader, played the French Horn, and socialized with her many friends. In her early adult years, Barbara worked for the Baptist Sunday School Board and sang in the choir at Park Avenue Baptist Church in Nashville. Married for 49 years, she met and wed her late husband, Paul, in 1965.

After marriage, Barbara continued working until starting her family with her 1st of two daughters in 1969. In 1971 Barbara’s young family moved to LaVergne, where they befriended many of their neighbors. She and Paul also reared their daughters as God-loving individuals. In 1973 she became a member at Smyrna First Baptist Church where she attended regularly with her family for many years. In 1974 Barbara was hired by Firestone Tire and Rubber Company (Bridgestone) in LaVergne where she worked for the next 27 years in various positions such as data processing, telephone switchboard operator, MRC Lab, Tag Room and Quality Control, until retirement.

In her prime years, Barbara was first an avid runner and then a cycling enthusiast. She competed in many mid-state 5 & 10K runs where she often placed in her age group. She also ran some half, as well as full marathons, qualifying in 1987 for the Boston Marathon, which she ran on April 18, 1988, with a time just shy of 3 hours and 31 minutes. In later years, Barbara started cycling when issues with scoliosis ensued.

Barbara loved her shopping adventures at Goodwill. She also loved searching through sale racks at the mall to find gifts to purchase for her family and loved ones. She was delighted with her friends, meeting new people, and talking to anyone with a great sense of humor and a friendly face. She held dear her many friendships with neighbors, coworkers, and fellow retirees, running and cycling buddies, and she loved her family deeply. She will be profoundly cherished and missed by many.

Preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Thomas Martin and Mary White (Allen) Martin, two older sisters Linda Marie and Francis Ann, and younger brother Jerry Wayne. She is survived by daughters Jeannie Sue Lowery and Cynthia Jane Lowery McDonald (Lon) of Murfreesboro; grandchildren Kayla Lowery Young (B.J.) of Woodbury, Madellyne Lokey, Abbagail Lokey, Amber Lokey, Lillian Lokey, and Jailynn Lokey all of Murfreesboro; eight great-grandchildren; sister Pamela Kay (Ronnie), brothers Jesse Thomas, Jr and Kenneth Eugene (Lori) and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Gathering of family and friends will take place on Monday, October 30, 2023 beginning at 4:00 O'Clock in the afternoon until 8:00 PM at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, 660 Thompson Lane Nashville, TN 37204. Family will receive family and friends beginning at 10:00 O'Clock in the morning on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 until the service at 11:30 AM at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home with the burial to follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Woodlawn-Roesch-PattonFH.com for the Lowery family.