Katherine Lowe

Katherine Cooper Lowe, 86, was born December 4, 1939, in Halifax, North Carolina, to Charlie and Louella Cooper. She departed this life on September 2, 2026.

Katherine married Figurs Lowe, a native of Scotland Neck, North Carolina, and the two shared 50 years of marriage until his passing in 2006. Early in their marriage, they moved to Richmond, Virginia, where they raised their family. To this union eight children were born: Milton, Melvin, Calvin (deceased), and Alvin Lowe; Brenda Phillips; Belinda Barard (Steve); Lisa Walls; and Charlene Lambert.

Katherine is also survived by three sisters, Rosalee Clarke, Lillian Lowe, and Arnelia Ward; twelve grandchildren, Brian, Marcus, and Crystal Barard, Natasha Lowe, Audrey Phillips, Kaiela Clarke, Dr. Brittany Walls, Dr. Taylor Walls, Jermaine Davis, Jasha Hawkins, Latavia Lowe, and CheNeice Jones; nine great-grandchildren; stepdaughter Elsie Smith; and a daughter-in-love, Renaldo <Renee> McDonald.

Katherine was, above all, a wife, mother, and homemaker, and she poured her whole heart into each of these roles with love and grace. She also took pride in working outside the home. She worked in retail and security at Thalheimer's Department Store for many years. Katherine was also deeply involved in her community. She took great pride in serving as the block leader for the Westover South/Woods Civic Association, ensuring neighbors stayed informed about important updates and upcoming events. She also served as an election poll worker, assisting at the polls during voting to help ensure her neighbors could exercise their right to vote. Her commitment to keeping her community connected and civically engaged was one of the many ways she showed her love for others.

She also enjoyed spending time with her mall walking group at Chesterfield Town Center, where she found friendship, laughter, and a sense of togetherness. Even while managing chronic asthma, diabetes, and later dementia, Katherine remained a woman on the move — she loved to garden, decorate, and pour her love out on her children. She never lost her spark: she loved to play bingo (and win!), delighted in showing off her baton-twirling majorette skills, and most of all, she loved to dance.

Katherine held tightly to two favorite sayings that carried her through life’s hardest seasons: “Hold on to God’s unchanging hand” and “This too shall pass.” These words of faith uplifted her and sustained her to the end.
The family will receive visitors on Friday, September 11, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Mimms Funeral Home, 1827 Hull Street, Richmond, VA. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 1127 N. 28th Street, Richmond, VA on Saturday, September 12, at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Maury Cemetery.