Bertha Lowe Obituary

Bertha Mae Tapley Lowe, 84, of Henderson, was born on May 18, 1941 in El Dorado, Arkansas. She was the second child to the late Lee Elizabeth Davis Tapley and William Earl Tapley. Bertha Mae or "Bert", as she would soon be called-grew up in Sulphur Springs, attended public school, excelled in her studies, and, upon high school graduation earned a scholarship to Baylor University. Bert was gifted with a fine soprano voice and became an ardent chorister, often singing solos both in church and school choirs. At the forefront of her interests were her family, her church, and the arts. Bertha was one of the most genuinely kind people. She was the cheerleader for the family. One never left her feeling down or upset. She was also an extremely intelligent and hard worker. As a secretary for her career, she became the executive assistant to the president of Longview Bank and Trust where she worked for decades. In terms of family, she was deeply devoted to her father Bill, and often spoke of her mother Elizabeth's resilience during hard times. She "worshipped" her older brother Billy and all of her cousins. Her cousin Trish Irwin remembered her positivity towards her that shaped her self-esteem and teen years. And naturally, Billy's fine daughters Susannah and Emma would become "my girls" to Bert, so treasured were they both. She adored her cat Whispers and any cat or dog that she encountered. Oh, who won Bert's devotion more was her beloved John, whom she always referred to as "the love of my life." They both found true happiness when they found each other. As for her church, First Presbyterian, Henderson, Bert was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ. She was particularly proud of the fact she attended a church known for outreach and inclusivity. Anyone who knew her could see that she did not try or judge; she simply lived the "word". She remained active until she could not with committee work, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, mission outreach and of course frequent soloing. Bert's passion for the arts was well known. Her cousin Philip Tapley was always a welcome guest during the annual Shakespeare Festival nearby, where Bert and John not only hosted, but attended alongside Philip. And her cousin Byron recalls a visit from Bert and John in Atlanta, where he played a recording of the Atlanta Symphony and Chorus, during which "tears rolled down Bert's cheeks"; so moved was she that she had to "gather herself" afterward. But in terms of artistic achievement, who could top her admiration for her brother Billy's artistic talent as a painter, and, later, his daughter, Emma's deserved renown abilities as a painter. She was very proud of all of her family's accomplishments, especially her niece Susannah for whom she attended her graduation from medical school. And her love of kin extended equally to John's family; indeed, she cherished April, Steve & Mary as if her own offspring. She was extremely proud of Steve who came back home to run Lowe tractor. In later years, she would tell her nieces and cousins that she didn't know what she would have done, were it not for Mary Lowe's loving admiration. We could go on and on with accolades and stories. However, we would like others to share their stories with us at www.crawfordacrim.com or at the service on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Henderson, Texas. All are welcome to the visitation which will proceed the service from 2-3 PM in the fellowship hall of the church. Burial will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Steve Lowe, Stephen Rains, Guyce Butler, John Hillin, and John Tieken. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband John Lowe, and her brother William Gouin Tapley. Survivors include her niece Dr. Susannah Q Olnes and husband Matthew of Anchorage, Alaska and their children Stella Dickerson and husband William Mac with great-great-niece Jane Maverick, Jack Olnes, and Luna Olnes; niece Emma Dorrin Tapley of New York City, New York; special family Steve Lowe and wife Mary of Henderson and their daughter Kristina Mueller and husband Johannes with their children Maria Elena and Xavier, April Lowe of Henderson, as well as Kirby Rains and husband Stephen of Henderson and their children Stella and Russ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bert's memory to the charity or organization of your choice. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.