Jean Lowe Obituary

Jean Sever Lowe, age 96, of Seminole, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on September 29, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Ros. Survived by her sister, Rebecca Ann, and three children: Jim (Michelle), Libby (Wesley), and John. She was blessed with five grandchildren: Brittany, Blake (Alexandra), Brandon, Aaron, and Catlin; and she delighted in having a great grandson, Beckham. Jean was born at home in Dunedin, Florida on October 23, 1926 - the first child of Wilbur and Sarah Sever. She was a third generation Floridian, and a lifelong resident of Clearwater and Seminole, Florida. Jean grew up in a Florida few would recognize today: without theme parks, without interstates, without air conditioning, and even without a telephone! Her father was the second youngest of thirteen children, so Jean was surrounded by a "pack" of Sever cousins, mostly boys. A self-professed tomboy, she spent much time with them riding horseback, swimming, and getting into mischief. She insists she was teased often by her cousins and claimed they tried to ("lovingly") drown her once in the swimming hole! (we're glad they weren't successful). As a young woman, Jean loved singing and music, loved going dancing, sunbathing at Clearwater Beach, and attending many social events. She graduated from Clearwater High School and attended Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, where she was a music major. Before Jean left for college, her mother advised her not to join any clubs - so, Jean promptly joined Alpha Xi Delta sorority, the Glee Club, and the Methodist Student Organization. Her mother decided she was having "too much fun" at college - and returned home for good. Back in Clearwater, Jean began a ten-year career at Florida Power as an executive secretary. She was a woman before her time! While many young women in the 1950's married early and began families, Jean worked her way up to bookkeeper and auditor for the Clearwater office - as high as a woman could go. Her salary at the time was higher than many of the men in the office. (Including her future husband!) Her independence allowed her to buy her own car, her own piano, a fur coat, all while helping fund her parent's remodeling of their kitchen and home. Outside of work, she kept active on the social scene by going to many dances, beach dates, and also became President of the Skipperettes, a social and philanthropic young women's organization. Jean met Ros Lowe while working at Florida Power, and they were married in 1956. They had two children and despite knowing "nothing about children and raising them," she was an amazing mother. She was a Little League Mom, Girl Scout leader, Carpool driver, dance recital costume maker; and loved hosting Jim and Libby's friends at the Lowe home - filled with the best snacks and treats around! She attended baseball, soccer, basketball, and football games; dance recitals, pageants, speech contests, band and dance team performances - whatever her children participated in. During all this time, she was a 30-year volunteer docent for Pinellas County's Heritage Park and loved telling the history of life in early Florida. She adored her grandchildren and often kept them during the summers. "Mimi" loved hearing about all their adventures and was certain they were all perfect! Jean loved life, laughter, and getting to know people. She was dearly loved by all who knew her - she never met a stranger. She was thankful for every day God granted her. The family wishes to express their love and appreciation for Jean's caregivers - for all of their devotion, love, and attention. Sharon, Debi, Yvonne, Sharon 2, and Laura were God's blessings during her last years. She will be missed but remembered; mourned but not lost. We know she has a new home in Heaven with her Savior. We love you!! Funeral services will be held, 1:00 pm on Friday, October 6, 2023, Anona United Methodist Church, and privately laid to rest at Garden Sanctuary Cemetery. Donations may be made to Anona United Methodist Church, 13233 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774.