A gift from the estate of Clara E. Lowry has established an endowed scholarship in her name to assist deserving students with financial need or special talents, with first preference given to students from Anson County, N.C. The scholarship honors the memory of the Lowry siblings, including Clara, Ruth L. Redfern, Mae L. Ratliff, Thomas E. Lowry and John M. Lowry. When complete, the Clara Lowry estate gift will exceed $500,000.
Clara and her siblings were raised on a farm in Anson County, where she developed a deep love of animals and gardening. A self-described country girl, Clara was a devoted member of Bethel United Methodist Church and loved music. She played the auto-harp, harmonica, piano and pump organ, and often performed in churches in Anson County.
Clara placed Elon in her estate because she appreciated the opportunities the college gave her brother, John, a 1931 alumnus.
John Lowry was grateful for the opportunity to work in Elon’s registrar’s office to support his education. After graduating from Elon, he earned a master’s degree at Duke University and served as a lieutenant commander in the Navy during World War II. Following his military service, he enjoyed a long and distinguished career at Randall Fuel in Atlanta, where he lived.
John believed in supporting his alma mater and made an estate gift to Elon that exceeded $1 million. The gift supported a general scholarship fund as well as construction of the Ernest A. Koury, Sr. Business Center.