Funeral services for Vernon H. Lowery Sr., age 81 of Sand Street in Brier Hill, will be held privately at Foxwood Memorial Park with Pastor Cathy Stevenson of the Hammond Presbyterian Church officiating. Mr. Lowery died Thursday, May 12, 2011, at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center surrounded by his family.
Surviving are his wife Barbara of Brier Hill; a son, Vernon Lowery & his wife Dr. Lisa Bancroft of Hammond; two daughters, Phyllis Marshall & her fiancée Mark Blanchard of Morristown, Suzanne Slate of Darby, MT; a son-in-law, Hilton H. Hotaling of Morristown; a sister, Janet Woodside of Brier Hill; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews & cousins. A daughter, Denise Hotaling predeceased him.
Vernon was born on July 27, 1929 in Ogdensburg, a son of the late Lincoln & Phyllis (Oshier) Lowery. He graduated from Morristown High School and married Barbara J. Gibson in 1952 at the Hammond Presbyterian Church. Vernon's primary work evolved around farming and related businesses. His younger years were spent operating small farms, until he eventually accumulated nearly 600 acres of land which was used for the operation of his Registered Guernsey Farm owned and operated in Hillsborough, NC from 1969 to the mid 1970’s. He then moved to Brier Hill and continued farming until transitioning into contracting in the early 1980’s, which he did until his death. Vernon also worked with the Long Shore man’s Union, unloading ships with the other “local boys" at the Ogdensburg Port while continuing his farm duties.
He was a former member of the Brier Hill Fire Department and the Orange County Square Dancing Club. He enjoyed his ‘59 Ford Fairlane Convertible, hard work, dancing, listening to music, helping people and traveling. He visited Alaska and Europe, and spent two weeks in Russia at the age of 75 and made many trips to Montana where he visited his daughter.
Memorial contributions have been requested to the Brier Hill Volunteer Fire Dept or the DEC if desired. Online condolences can also be made to the family at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com
