Hazel Lowery, 91

Hazel Sue Gallion Lowery, 91, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

She was born in McDowell County, the daughter of the late Benjamin Thomas Gallion and Carrie Mae Arrowood Gallion. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Garland Briscoe "Whitey" Lowery, Sr; a son, Douglas Wayne Lowery; a daughter, Pamela Darlene Lowery, and a granddaughter, Holly Joanna Mathis; her sisters, Dorothy Hansen, Opal Mitchem, and Mae Medford; her brothers, Leroy Gallion, Rudolph Gallion, Everett Gallion, William Gallion, and Lloyd Gallion.

She was a beloved mother and grandmother. Left to cherish her memory include a son, Garland Briscoe "Pete" Lowery Jr. (Kathi) of Bostic; and a daughter, Vivian Jill Lowery of Ellenboro; her three grandsons, Cory James Lowery of Bostic,  Joel Ryan Lowery (Emily) of Bryson City, and Adam Wayne Mathis of Asheville; a great grandson, Felix Jaxon Mathis; and a great granddaughter, Addison Jade "Addie" Lowery; her gifted caregivers, Mary Ann Johnson "The OG", and Melinda Henderson Medford "The Favorite".  

Hazel was a graduate of Mt. Vernon High School where she was named class valedictorian her senior year. After graduation she married Whitey Lowery and led the life of a military wife for over twenty years before returning home to Rutherford County permanently. She was a homemaker, working briefly at Farmer's Hardware in Forest City. She was a member of Corinth Baptist Church for over 54 years. In her later years she particularly enjoyed being a member of the single women's group. 

A Memorial Service will be conducted at 11:00 am Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Corinth Baptist Church. The Rev. Ad Hopper will officiate. Burial will be private in the church cemetery.

Immediately after the memorial service, the family will receive friends in the Family Life Center. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Life Enrichment Center, 110 Life Enrichment Center, Shelby, NC 28150.

Washburn & Dorsey Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.