Margaret Adams Lowdermilk

Margaret A. Lowdermilk, 95, of Johnson City, TN, and a resident of Norman, NC for 59 years, died Thursday, April 12, 2007, at North Side Hospital. Mrs. Lowdermilk was born in Medford, MA and lived in Norman, NC most of her life before moving to Johnson City, TN twelve years ago. She was the daughter of John C. and Emma B. Adams. In 1935, Mrs. Lowdermilk graduated from the Anson Sanitarium Training School of Nursing in Wadesboro, N.C. She worked as a Registered Nurse: at the Sanitarium in Southern Pines, NC; Lee County Hospital, NC; Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; and Moore County Hospital, Pinehurst, NC. Mrs. Lowdermilk gave her life in service to the Lord, her church, her profession, her family, her nation, her community, and to all who passed her way. For example, many years ago, when there were no clinics in the area, she served the Norman community by visiting the sick with no regard to race, creed, or color. She gave hypodermic injections and medicine when needed, advised people when they should go to the hospital, and eased the suffering of the dying. Mrs. Lowdermilk was an active member of the Norman United Methodist Church and attended Grace Fellowship Church while in Johnson City. Mrs. Lowdermilk’s service to the Norman United Methodist Church included: teaching Sunday School class for 35 years; helped organize the first Methodist Youth Fellowship in the 1940’s; assisted with Vacation Bible School; served as secretary, treasurer and president of the United Methodist Women organization; chair of evangelism and missions; sang in the choir; served as trustee for the church; and received the Lay Person of the Year Award in 1989. Over the years, the Norman area was used by Fort Bragg as a training area. On many occasions, Mrs. Lowdermilk allowed soldiers to sleep in the barn and arose early to prepare a special breakfast for these men serving their country. She enjoyed acting as a “mother” to many soldiers from across the nation. Since 1970, Mrs. Lowdermilk has supported many orphans through World Missionary Evangelism, Inc. and World Vision. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Lowdermilk, in 1991, and two sons, Jimmy and Howard Lowdermilk. Survivors include one daughter, Ann Lowdermilk, Johnson City, TN; two sons and their wives, Richard and Brenda Lowdermilk, Simpsonville, SC and Robert and Kathy Lowdermilk, Oroville, CA; one grandson, Phillip Lowdermilk; four granddaughters, Ginger Lowdermilk, Kelly and David McDonald, Ashlyn and Steve Grobman, and Heather Lowdermilk and fiancé Loren Davidson; three stepgrandchildren Mary Ellen and Matt Garrahy, Justin McCabe, and Shane and Shaleen McCabe. Special friends include Jo Judd and Debbie Fogle. The family of Mrs. Lowdermilk will receive friends Saturday, April 21, 2007, from 1:00-1:45 p.m. at the Norman United Methodist Church in Norman, NC. Services will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Graveside services will immediately follow the service at the Ellerbe Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family for a meal at the Fellowship Hall following the services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Mountain Creek Fire Department, 248 Godfrey Road, Ellerbe, NC 28338 or the Ellerbe Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 148, Ellerbe, NC 28338 or Norman United Methodist Church, Norman, NC 28367