Obituary of Dorothy Lowell

Dorothy Lowell April 12, 1920 - September 21, 2011 Dorothy Lowell age 91 of Monroe went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday morning, September 21, 2011. She had been under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by her husband Fordyce, and a son: Gene Messer. Dorothy Lowell was born in Aurora, Illinois on April 12, 1920. She was the daughter of the late James Gilbert and Capitola (Hills) Lowell. Dorothy moved to Michigan in the 1930's. She married Fordyce Messer. For more than twenty years Dorothy worked as food manager at Woolworth and for several years at Rite-Air pharmacy both in Grand Rapids. Dorothy was a prayer warrior putting her faith in her Heavenly Father and showing his light through her life. She received her spiritual nourishment through her love for God's Word and practiced her faith through worship at Calvary Baptist Church in Grand Rapids and as faithful attendee of Carleton Community Baptist Church. Dorothy always offered a word of encouragement to others. She was well known for her beautiful smile and wonderful hugs. She kept the people she knew in life very close. Dorothy held her writing to a very high standard. She never forgot birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions and was diligent about sending letters and cards. She was well respected and loved by all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as the children of her church, and she loved them. She leaves to cherish her memory three children: Sam (Linda) Messer of Monroe, Sally Messer of Phoenix, Arizona, and Tom (Nancy) Messer of Wilmington, North Carolina; twenty-two grandchildren, more than fifty great grandchildren; and twenty or so great-great grandchildren. Friends may gather from 1:30-6:00pm, Saturday, September 24, 2011 at the Carleton Community Baptist Church, 2120 Scofield-Carleton Road. The Rev. Ed Mason will officiate a Celebration of her Life at 6:00pm. Friends may also gather from 2:00pm until 4:00pm and 6:00pm until 8:00 pm, Sunday, September 25, 2011 at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton Street SE, Grand Rapids, (616) 940-3022. A funeral service will take place at 1:30pm, Monday at the funeral home with procession and burial to follow at Idlewild Cemetery in Kent City. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185 was entrusted with local arrangements. Memorials may be given to The Gideon's International or Mercy Memorial Hospice. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.