Judy Lowey

JUDITH H. “JUDY” LOWEY, 84, of Mattoon, IL passed away at 3:22 A.M. on Monday, June 24, 2024 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, IL.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at the First Southern Baptist Church, 3521 Dewitt Avenue in Mattoon, IL. Rev. John Calio will officiate. Burial will be in the Arcola Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Monday, July 1, 2024 at the church. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Judy was born on July 29, 1939 in Brookfield, IL, a daughter of Hubert Jones and Ortrude (Koerber) Harris. She married John R. Lowey on December 26, 1959 in LaGrange, IL. He passed away on October 3, 2018.

Survivors include two daughters, Teresa Perrine of Mesa, AZ and Jenny Lowey of Pearl MS; four grandchildren, Sarah Cox and her husband Matthew of Phoenix, AZ, Rachel Perrine of Tempe, AZ, John Perrine and his wife Jenna of Chicago, IL, and Joshua Perrine of Culver City, CA; 4 great grandchildren, Levi and Theo Cox and Hazel and Hayden Perrine; 3 siblings, Sydney Cohen of Ingleside, IL, Ken Harris of Tucumcari, NM, and Kevin Harris of Ellicott, CO.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Ortrude Harris; her husband John Lowey; her sisters Karen Hoffman and Elizabeth Morrill.

Judy was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Mattoon, IL. She trusted Christ as her Lord and Savior and endeavored to walk in God’s way daily.

Judy attended Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, IL. She graduated from Illinois State University in Normal, IL with a bachelor’s in special education of the blind. She later earned her master’s degree in education with a focus on reading and special education. Judy served as a special education teacher in Mattoon and Humboldt from 1974 until 1982. After leaving Arcola she worked in special education at the Delavan Schools for nine years. She then finished her career working for the Sullivan Schools in various elementary teaching positions. She was a dedicated educator who believed that our children are our greatest asset and all children deserve a quality education. After retirement, she was an advocate for the unborn child and worked with Choices, Health and Pregnancy to support expectant mothers. 

Judy loved cheering for Illinois basketball, swimming, and was a voracious reader. She was an avid traveler and enjoyed going on adventures around the world with family and friends. 

Memorials may be made to First Southern Baptist Church – Parking Lot Fund, 3521 Dewitt Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938