Memorial Funeral Home - Houston
Houston-Franklin Cordell Lowe, 90, departed his earthly life February 26, 2025, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo after a brief illness. Franklin was born December 27, 1934, in Pyland, MS to Thurman and Gladys Fleming Lowe, the 7th of eight children. He was a resident of the Thorn community, spending the majority of his adult life as a resident.
Growing up in the tight-knit community of Pyland with his parents and older siblings, Franklin was surrounded by family and friends who quickly became like family. Their kind and welcoming demeanor shaped him into a thoughtful and outgoing boy, never meeting a stranger; qualities that he carried with him throughout life.
Franklin was also a very bright and gifted child, attending school in Houston, where he was elected Class President for his graduating class in 1952. After graduation, he attended The University of Tennessee in Knoxville before transferring to The University of Mississippi to earn bachelor's and master's degrees in accountancy. During his time at The University of Mississippi, Franklin joined Ole Miss athletics as a tutor, helping college football and baseball players master their coursework and developing lifelong friends along the way.
Beginning his life after college, Franklin married Sara Alice Blissard and moved to Cleveland, Mississippi where he taught Accounting at Delta State University. He and Sara later moved to Memphis when he accepted a position as an accounting instructor in the College of Business at Memphis State University.
Franklin and Sara's desire to start a family lead them to return to Houston, where he began a career in healthcare administration at North Mississippi Medical Center. He and Sara also opened Lowe's Clothing, a business they ran for 15 years. During this time, they welcomed a son, John Wesley, and a daughter, Anna Kathryn, who were their pride and joy. In his later years, Franklin was called to the ministry, serving as pastor for churches in the Methodist Charge in Webster and Choctaw Counties.
Franklin is survived by his son, Dr. Wes Lowe and wife, Kelly; daughter, Katy Byars and husband, Tim; his grandchildren, Jon Garrett Lowe and wife, Michaelann; Hannah Morgan Lowe, and Cash McCall Edwards; special caregiver, Sherry Barnett-Jensen; and a host of nieces and nephews, and friends and family.
Franklin was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Sara; his parents, Thurman and Gladys Lowe; his step-mother, Lillian Lowe; his siblings, Thurman Marion "Ish" Lowe, Margaret Lowe Waldrop, James Davis Lowe, Sharon Lowe Gilder, Dorothy Lowe Price, Monette Lowe, and Jeanne Lowe Nathey; nephews, Bill Gilder and Tommy Price, Jr.; nieces, Karen Harrelson, Annelle Scott, and Pamela King.
The family will receive friends on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Memorial Funeral Home in Houston. Visitation will resume Saturday, March 1 at 10:00 am at Houston First Methodist Church with the service honoring Franklin's life following at 11 am. Rev. David Upshaw officiating. Burial will follow in Ellzey Cemetery. Memorial Funeral Home of Houston is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.
Pallbearers will be Jon Garrett Lowe, Cash Edwards, Tim Byars, Jeff Lowe, Buddy Lowe, Jeffrey Taylor, Jason Edwards, and Jim Blissard.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to the staff of Trend Health and Rehab, the NMMC Critical Care and Hospice staff, and home-health staff who allowed our dad to live out his days at home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in the memory of Franklin and Sara Lowe to Gideons International, Houston First Methodist Church, or to the charity of your choice.
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
For online condolences visit www.memorialfuneralhomehouston.com.
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