Melva A. Lowery

Mrs. Melva A. Lowery, 79, died Tuesday morning, October 14, 2008 at her home in Gulfport. She was attended by her husband and family. Mrs. Lowery was born in Jefferson Davis County on April 30, 1929. She was a resident of Gulfport since 1962 where she attended First Baptist Church of Lyman. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bennett and Viola Fortenberry, four brothers, Walter, Earl, Louis, Bobby and two sisters Jewel Petty and Mary Brewer. Mrs. Lowery is survived by William F. “Bill,” her husband of fifty-eight years. She is also survived by four daughters, Bevely (Malcolm) Cockrell of Perkinston, Jenny Lowery of Gulfport, Diana (Eddie) Favre of Kiln, Rebecca Lowery of Gulfport and three sons, Bennett (Janice) of San Diego, CA, James (Audrey) of Saucier and Patrick of Hattiesburg. She is also survived by one brother Charles Fortenberry, of McComb. Mrs. Lowery has nine grandchildren and five great grand children. Visitation was held Wednesday October 15, 2008 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15452 O’Neal Road Gulfport. Services will be held Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church of Lyman on Old Highway 49 in Gulfport where friends may visit from 10:00 am until the service. Graveside services will follow at 2:30 pm at George Street Cemetery in Petal. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com