Mary Jean Lowe

After a lifetime of loving God, serving others, and cherishing her family, Mary Jean Lowe ("Madge") went home to be with the Lord on May 29, 2026, at the age of 95.

Madge was born on December 23, 1930, in Eagleville, Tennessee, to John and Mary (Lillard) Hay. She enjoyed a happy childhood in the close-knit community of Eagleville, where she developed a respect for God, a strong work ethic, and a caring spirit that would characterize her throughout her life.

During her years at Eagleville High School, Madge was active in basketball and softball and often played the piano at her church. After graduating, she attended Middle Tennessee State College and then went on to earn a master's degree in business education from the University of Tennessee. Although she was raised in church and actively participated in its life, it was during her young adult years that she came to a personal faith in Jesus Christ and accepted Him as her Savior and Lord, beginning a lifelong journey of faithful Christian service.

Madge devoted her professional life to educating and encouraging others. Over the course of her career, she worked with students from the elementary grades through college. Most of her years in education were spent as a business education instructor at a community college in St. Louis, Missouri. Her love for learning and service also led her to teach classes at the local prison, where she helped others develop valuable skills and find renewed hope for the future. She found great joy in helping people learn and grow, and her influence extended far beyond the classroom.

Following retirement, Madge and her husband, C.J., settled in Black Mountain, North Carolina. There, she spent many fulfilling years serving as a volunteer at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, where she welcomed guests and faithfully supported the ministry she loved.

Those who knew Madge will remember her warm smile, gentle spirit, and remarkable ability to make others feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Her greatest joy was her relationship with Jesus Christ, which guided every aspect of her life. Through her words and actions, she sought to let her light shine before others so that they might see God's goodness and give glory to Him (Matthew 5:16).

Madge's legacy lives on through the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness, encouragement, and steadfast faith.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 72 years, C.J. Lowe; her son, John Lowe (Belinda); her daughter, Michele Teel (Mark); her grandchildren, Christy Minnotte (Brian), Ryan Teel, and Sarah Won (J.J.); and her great-grandchildren, Chloe and Cadence Minnotte, and Annabelle and Grace Won.

Though we mourn her absence, we are comforted by the assurance that Madge is now in the presence of the Lord she faithfully followed. Her life was a testimony of love, service, and unwavering faith. We can imagine her hearing the words of her Savior: "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23).