Carolyn Jean "Nunu" Lowrey

Carolyn Jean “Nunu” Lowrey, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, at Arabella Senior Living Community in Red Oak, Texas, surrounded by her family and her precious cat, Tinker. Born Carolyn Jean Hooker on September 29, 1940, in Lancaster, Texas, to Aubrey James Hooker and Myra Gladys Schuster, Carolyn was raised by her grandparents, affectionately known as “Mama Myrt” and “Daddy Jim,” who played a special role in shaping her life. On October 25, 1957, she married the love of her life, Jack Neil Lowrey. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and community. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Kimberly Sue (born in 1958) and Wendy Renee (born in 1960), who were the pride and joy of her life. Carolyn dedicated 29 years of her career to Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she worked diligently, advanced through the ranks, and formed lasting friendships with her coworkers. A woman of deep faith and service, Carolyn devoted her life to serving the Lord. No matter where she worshiped, she was always ready to lend a helping hand—preparing meals, serving others, and supporting those in her community. She was an active member of Beltline and Main Church of Christ in Lancaster, where she led Meals on Wheels and regularly prepared Wednesday night meals for the congregation. Her compassion extended beyond her church—she volunteered to take a patient to chemotherapy appointments weekly for a year and consistently gave her time and resources to those in need. Carolyn embraced life with enthusiasm. She was an avid sports fan who especially loved the Dallas Cowboys and looked forward to every football season, enjoying each game and cheering on her team. She was a self-proclaimed “best bridge player” and cherished time spent playing with friends. Carolyn also loved music, especially Rod Stewart, and made it a point to attend his concerts whenever possible. She enjoyed dancing, family gatherings, and making memories with those closest to her. She had a special love for holidays, decorating elaborately—especially for Halloween—and making every occasion feel meaningful. She believed in celebrating others and ensuring everyone felt included, whether during birthdays, holidays, or special gatherings. She also enjoyed attending the State Fair of Texas, a tradition that brought her great joy. She loved taking trips to the horseraces, hot springs, and especially Crystal Beach and South Padre Island with the Terrys and the Lemmonds. Carolyn was full of joy and love, with a spirit that was felt by everyone around her. She deeply loved her family and never missed an opportunity to bring everyone together or be part of their lives and celebrations. Her beloved granddaughter, Jennifer Neil Thompson, was one of the great loves of her life, and surviving Jennifer’s passing marked a profound and life-changing loss that she carried with her always. Because her beloved grandchildren lovingly called her “Nunu,” she was forever called that by everyone else. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Neil “Bull” Lowrey; her cherished granddaughter, Jennifer Neil Thompson; her son-in-law, Raymond Thompson; her grandparents, “Mama Myrt” and “Daddy Jim;” her parents; her brothers-in-law, John Stewart Lowrey, Thomas Michael Lowrey, and Roy Freeman; and her nephew, Thomas Michael Bellamy. She is survived by her daughters, Kimberly Thompson, and Wendy Weiss and husband Mark; her grandchildren, Sonny Thompson and wife Chelsea, and Kelsey Whittiker and husband Everett; her great-grandchildren, Ellie Neil, Lilah Raye, Trace Henry Thompson, and Rylee Renee Whittiker; her sisters-in-law, Kay Freeman and Mary Lowrey; her nephews, Chris Freeman and wife Ashley, and Lance Lowrey and wife Sharon. A Celebration of Carolyn’s Life will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Byrum Funeral Home in Lancaster, Texas. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. followed by the service at 3:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Edgewood Cemetery in Lancaster. Carolyn’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and joyful spirit will live on in all who knew her.

Tributes

Carolyn Jean "Nunu" Lowrey

September 29, 1940 - May 1, 2026