Anita Perry Lowry's Obituary
The family of Anita Perry Lowry announces her passing on September 20, 2024 at the age of 95 in Gainesville, Florida.
Anita was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 7, 1929 to James and Ivah (Gibson) Perry. James was Sears Roebuck Vice President of Catalog Production and Distribution. Anita was a gifted student and was awarded the prestigious American Legion Top Scholars Award. She continued her academic achievements in high school in her hometown of Oak Park, Illinois and was a featured soloist in the Oak Park High Chorus.
Following high school graduation Anita enrolled in Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. She majored in Interior Design and Business Administration. Anita was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority-Delta Epsilon chapter. She enjoyed saying that she “often did not read the textbook until the night before her final exam, but her memory was so good that she usually received an “A” for the test and the course”. She met her future husband, James “Jim” Lowry in the fall of 1949. The two were married on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1951, in Effingham, Illinois.
Following their marriage, they both worked while continuing their education at Millikin University. After graduation they lived in Effingham, Illinois where Jim joined the family retail furniture business.
In the late summer of 1954, Anita and Jim moved to Gainesville, Florida when the family business, Lowry’s Fine Furniture, was relocated to Florida. Their daughter Lynne Ann was born in 1957, and daughter Suzanne Lee in 1960.
As the children grew older, Anita resumed working toward her career goals, starting as a bookkeeper and sales consultant for several local businesses. She then embarked on a real estate career as a realtor with M.M. Parrish Realtors. Anita enjoyed a very successful real estate career, and often said that she “Never wrote a contract that did not close.” Her path then led her to become an accomplished bridal consultant, wedding planner and director. Her final work endeavor was in retail sales. She enjoyed her varied work experiences and learned much from each of them. Anita finally retired from active work to travel with her husband Jim.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ivah and James Perry and sister Laura Perry Williams. She is survived by her husband James Lowry, daughters Lynne Lowry Wells (Peter), Suzanne Lowry Warner (Mark), grandchildren Lindsay Wells Bedell (Daniel), James Wells (Monika), Courtney Warner King (Christopher), Laura Warner, great grandchildren Emerson Bedell, Eleanor Bedell, Madeleine Wells, Christoper King and Cameron King.
A memorial service will be held on October 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church Iona Chapel, followed by a graveside service at Forest Meadows Central Cemetery.
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