Gerald (Jerry) Allan Lowery
L&G
Lewis & Gillum Funeral Homes
28 Harding Ave., Jackson, Ohio 45640
(p) 740-286-2010
Psalm 112
112 Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth forever.
4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.
6 Surely he shall not be moved forever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.
7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.
8 His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.
9 He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.
This scripture exemplifies the life of Gerald (Jerry) Allan Lowery. Jerry was born on April 28th, 1938, to Marvene and Arlo Lowery in Chillicothe, Ohio. He graduated from Marietta High School and then attended The Ohio University and Rio Grande College, until ultimately receiving a Doctorate in Theology from Columbia State University. In 1958, while attending Rio Grande, he met the love of his life, Freda Ramsey, and they were united in marriage in 1960. To this marriage they were blessed with three children, Connie (Jeremy) LeMaster, Colonel Craig (Alicia) Lowery, and Chris Lowery. He was preceded in death by his son, Chris; his parents; sister, Gloria McConnell; and sister-in-law, Pam Ramsey.
He also was blessed with five grandsons: Zachary Lemaster, Jared (Cheirstynn) Lemaster, Logan and Landon Lowery, and Hayden Kerns-Lowery; one granddaughter, Ellie Grace Lowery; and two great-grandsons, Kemper Lemaster and Barrett Kerns.
Jerry served his country in the US Army and was an expert marksman. After leaving the army, he worked as an accountant for the rest of his secular career. Jerry was an avid marathon runner, champion weightlifter, fourth degree black belt karate expert, track and field competitor and held numerous awards. He was also honored with the All-American Masters Award in track and field.
However, Jerry rarely talked about these accomplishments; rather, he felt his true accomplishment was serving Christ and the church. He was a member of Gallia Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church, and Christ United Methodist. He served as pastor at Hamden Baptist, interim pastor at Gallia Baptist and First Eel River Baptist Church, where he retired as pastor. Being a pastor was not the full extent of his ministry. His ministry was to help hurting people anywhere he found them. He and Freda opened their home to many homeless and suffering people, and for several years they fostered children, some of whom they are still in contact with today. The children they fostered were always taught about Christ and attended church with them. These children and the homeless he helped will affect generations to come.
Jerry taught bible studies in Jackson, Wellston, and Oak Hill, and it is said that he was an amazing teacher, and his knowledge of the word of God will be a great loss to the world. Jerry was so trusting in his Lord that he would even pick people up off the street and minister to them. One of his greatest joys was the prison ministry, where his goal was to help the hurting and lost, and through that ministry, he touched hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people. He was generous and giving and was quick to help; he did not condemn or judge people-- he just loved them as Christ did. Jerry was one of God’s giants, not only in size but his willingness to love as Christ did.
When there were hurting and helpless people, Jerry answered the call. When there was a need or a lonely soul, Jerry answered the call. When God said, "come home, My good and faithful servant," on April 9th, 2022, Jerry answered the call.
The word of God says in Psalms 112:6, “Surely he will never be shaken: the righteous man will be remembered forever.” Through the people he helped and the lives he changed, surely, he will be remembered forever. He now stands in God's kingdom where his faith has become sight.
Friends may call Thursday, April 14, 2022, from 11-1 at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson. Funeral services will immediately follow at 1:00 PM with Pastors Cline Rawlins and Janie Karl officiating. Burial will follow with military honors at Gallia Baptist Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.