Zelda Ethel Dillon Lowrance was born on February 1, 1925, Ramer, Tennessee. Mrs. Lowrance departed this life on Friday, January 20, 2017, at McNairy County Healthcare Center at the age of 91. She was the second child of James Robert and Ora Robertson Dillon. Mrs. Lowrance had seven siblings, who along with her parents preceded her in death. Three sisters, Nelda Marie Dillon, Nova Dillon Nelson, Glenda Sharadin Dillon; four brothers: Robert Samuel Dillon, Lonnie Bill Dillon, Franklin D. Dillon, Bobby Larry Dillon.
Ms. Ethel was united in marriage to Worley Lowrance on November 12, 1943; together they made a life and had two children. Mrs. Lowrance was preceded in death by her husband and their son, Douglas Mac Lowrance.
She is survived by her daughter, Sybil Roten and husband Roy; her granddaughter, Stacie Grier and husband Mike; two great grandchildren, Erin Moss Grier and Richard Zachery Grier; three great-great grandchildren, Brynn Moss, Presley Moss, and Aubrey Grier; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Lowrance was a person of faith and a member of the Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church for 77 years. She worshipped there until her health would no longer allow it.
Ms. Ethel was a hard working woman who worked her entire life outside of the home; she retired from Brown Shoe Company in 1984 with 30 years of service where she worked as an inspector. However, her work continued for many years beyond that, as she held several jobs in the food industry; and as many know, the majority of that time was served at Ramer Quick Stop where she dished out her famous fried pies. Ms. Ethel was blessed with a great culinary talent. In particular were her fried apple pies – folks would place an order and come all the way from Memphis for a box of pies. Ms. Ethel continued working until the age of 75.
Ms. Ethel also believed in community involvement – she was a member of the local chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star where she held many different positions including several terms as Worthy Matron. She also was a member of Women’s Auxiliary at the hospital and served many hours – as what is commonly known as a “Pink Lady.” She enjoyed delivering flowers, wrapping gifts, and bringing a little bit of joy to others.
She was also a longtime supporter of the Sulphur Springs Fire Department and of course, her church. Her favorite hobbies were: flea-marketing, cooking, and doing for others. Ethel was a charitable person and always there for those in need.
She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
