Margaret "Peggy" Hechmann Lowery

Margaret “Peggy” Hechmann Lowery, 81, was lifted up from her long-time home here to meet her Lord on September 19, 2023, surrounded by family after a sudden bout with cancer.

She was born on September 2, 1942, in Chicago, IL, to Carl George and Thelma Jorgensen Hechmann, the first of four siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents and youngest brother, Glenn Allen.

Peggy is survived by her dear husband, Stan Lowery, who has loved her well for 47 years, and by Stan’s daughter and son-in-law, Shannon Paula and James Michael Nelms, Jr., as well as her brothers, Donald Carl (Mari-Anne) of Illinois and Edward Peter of Wisconsin.

When Stan brought Peggy to Oconee County as a bride in 1976, she was a UGA Journalism student, who began writing for The Oconee Enterprise newspaper, and stepped in as editor in August 1980 for a year. She then served a few years as reference librarian at the Oconee County Library while becoming a foster parent for a local high school student. In following years, she was there helping Stan raise broiler chickens on their two and though one farm before they retired a few years ago.

Peggy was also involved in ministry over the years, beginning with WINGS (Women In God’s Service Ministry), who traveled together to many exciting conferences and spiritual adventures. For the last twenty years, she has been involved with the St. James Methodist Church Prayer Ministry along with classes and prayer ministry for the last 10 years at the Athens College of Ministry – which is now Athens College.

Last fall Peggy became the full-time caregiver for Stan in his declining health, and was grateful for help from hospice and caregiver, Maurice Walker. As her own health suddenly declined, she was much relieved when daughter, Shannon, stepped in to become not only caretaker, but advocate for both she and Stan.

Visitation will be at Antioch Christian Church on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 3:00 pm followed by her celebration of life service at 4:00pm. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery followed by a reception meal in Antioch fellowship hall.

Peggy requests in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made in her honor to The College of Athens, PO Box 7953, Athens, GA 30604.  (706) 769-1472 or collegeofathens.edu

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com