Retired Herald employee of 40 years, James Lowery dies at 84
James Lowery, 84, who worked in the press room at The Herald for 40 years, died Sunday.
Born June 18, 1937 in Chesterfield County to Paul and Edna Lowery, he lived in Rock Hill most of his life.
His son, Shawn Lowery, says his father first worked as a paper boy for The Herald before enlisting in the Air Force, where he worked on a base in Greenland. James Lowery returned to work in the press room, eventually becoming manager, at The Herald from 1959 until his retirement in 1999.
“My dad was my hero,” daughter Angela Kent said. She remembered her elementary school class touring the Herald, led by her father. “I just remember thinking, ‘that’s my dad.’ I’m so proud of him.”
“He really loved his job,” Shawn Lowery remembered. “I always saw him go to work in a suit and tie. I’ve done very well based on his mentoring and him being a father.”
Lowery attended Emmett Scott High School, the first public school for Black students in Rock Hill. He graduated in 1955. The school closed in 1970.
He then attended York Technical College and Friendship College. He was also a deacon at Flint Hill Baptist Church.
“He never met a stranger, very personable, made friends really easy,” his son remembered.
“My dad was so sweet, so kind, so funny, and I’m just gonna miss him a lot,” Kent said.
James Lowery is survived by his son, Shawn Lowery, daughter Angela Kent; sisters Vernease Pyles and Dorothy Burris; grandchildren Dionna Lowery, Johnathan Lowery, Chris Lowery, Jordan Lowery, Tyler Kent, Kelsey Kent, Lael Lowery; and great-grandchildren Sicily Lowery, Elijah Lowery and Adrian Lowery.
A wake will be held Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Robinson Funeral Home at 534 Hampton Street in Rock Hill.
Services will be held on Saturday, June 26, at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 321 S. Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill. The viewing will be from 11 a.m. to noon and then service will start. The family asks that guests enter the church from the Elizabeth Lane side.
This story was originally published June 23, 2021 at 7:47 AM.
