Betty Lowery

Mrs. Betty Rose Perry Marshall Lowery (affectionately known as “GrandMaMa,” Ms. Betty, or Betty Rose), graduated to glory on April 26, 2026. She was born on July 31, 1945, in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was a beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, niece and most importantly, a woman of God.  Betty Rose spent her early years in The Bottom and College Homes (Mechanicsville), and most of her life in East Knoxville.

She received her education at Maynard Elementary School, Beardsley Junior High School, and Austin High School (Class of 1963). She later attended nursing school and became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1977. Continuing her pursuit of learning, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Knoxville College (1995) and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University (1996).  Betty Rose received a special degree from Heaven with a Crown of Righteousness in 2026.

Betty Rose worked as a nurse in hospitals, nursing homes, and private care for more than 30 years before retiring from Fort Sanders Hospital in 2009. She maintained her license and continued serving in various capacities until God called her home.

Betty Rose lived a life of service to her sons, family, church, and community. She grew up at Tabernacle Baptist Church, where she accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized at a young age. Since the early 1980s, she remained an active and devoted church member. She rededicated her life to Christ at Greater Warner AME Zion Church and later became a charter member of Community Evangelistic Church (CEC).

At CEC, she faithfully served in the Children and Youth Ministries, SALT Ministry, Singles Ministry, Nursing Ministry, and as a Deacon. Betty Rose was a godly, kind, sweet, strong-willed, and family-oriented woman. While she could be observant and quiet, she also loved meaningful conversation and never shied away from asking questions or offering wisdom. She was always eager to help others and share the Word of God. Her faithful, gentle, and dedicated spirit touched the entire congregation.  Betty Rose had a passion to bring people together along with allowing others to showcase their talents.  She was instrumental in planning Soul Food Sunday, the Harvest Festival Art Exhibit, and CEC Craft Day.

Betty Rose was preceded in death by her parents, Thornton Lewis Marshall and Eula Belle Boyd; her grandparents, Thornton and Gertrude Marshall, and Perry and Pearl Burnett; her former husband, Marvin Lowery, Sr.; her brother, Dr. John H. Perry, Jr.; her aunts, Mildred Johnson, Betty Rose Marshall, Edna Mayfield, and Christine Lowery; her sisters in-love, Joyce Williams, Mary Ruth McCallie, Doris Dixson, and Marcia Battle; her cousin, Evelyn Joyce Carter; and her niece, Danylle Marshall.

She is lovingly remembered by her three sons: Marvin Jr. (Meshelle), Frederick (Dymeka Harrison), and John-Christopher (Cordia); her grandchildren: Julia Yette, Felicyana Lowery, Frederick Lowery II, Meeya Lowery, Marla Lowery, Ryan Lowery, John-Christopher Lowery Jr., Corisa Lowery, and Maliya Lowery; her great-grandchildren: Jordan Caldwell, Caidynn Caldwell, Jaelyn Caldwell, and Jru Caldwell; her sisters: LaTonya (Shelton) Sullivan, Patrice Marshall, and Cecilia Boyce; her sisters in-love: Joyce Perry and Yvette (Terry) Giles; her brother in-love: William Dixson, Sr.; her aunt: Mary Frances Sanders; her cousins: Sylvia (Don) Hemphill and Betty Blackman; her nieces and nephews: Joycelyn Perry, Jarenda Perry-Goodman, Vincent (Dorsha) Marshall, Daniel Taylor, IV, David Taylor, Shawnta Faulkner, Jr., Nathan (Elaine) Brown, Callie Sullivan, and Jaya Sullivan; her great-nephew, Carlos Goodman, Jr.; her great-great-niece and nephew: Lennox Goodman and Luna Goodman; and a host of Lowery family in-love, extended family members, and dear friends.

Ms. Betty Rose will be deeply missed. Her legacy, beautiful memories, and lasting impact on all who knew her will be cherished forever.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Community Evangelistic Church, 2650 Boyd’s Bridge Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914. Visitation with the family will begin at 12:30 PM, followed by the funeral service at 1:30 PM. The burial will take place immediately afterwards at Mount Olive Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the care of Jarnigan & Son Mortuary.