Hope Ernst Lowman

Hope was born in Milford, Ohio on September 3, 1950, the daughter of Harold Homer and Marie Clarke Ernst. She moved to Drexel in 1963 and graduated from Drexel High School in 1968. Hope was married in 1968 to her lifetime love and devoted husband, Darrell Franklin Lowman, who preceded her in death (2013). In her life, the most important things to Hope were her faith and her family. She was a lifelong member of First Church of God, attending Drexel First Church of God during her younger years and with her husband Darrell, was a charter member of the current Morganton First Church of God.

Throughout her life, Hope consistently poured her energy into activities, organizations, education, communities and individuals with an overarching generosity and commitment to excellence. From her first business, the Latchstring Shop in downtown Drexel, to being the founder and owner of Catawba Valley Staffing, Hope was an accomplished professional and entrepreneur. Her achievements, affiliations, and awards are too many to list. Throughout her professional career she injected her faith, acted as a servant leader and mentored others personally, professionally and spiritually.

Hope was the ultimate homemaker, she was passionate about cooking, crafting, especially card making, gardening and growing flowers. She enjoyed birds, especially hummingbirds and cardinals. You could visit her home through the front door only once, from that point all that knew her entered through the kitchen door and were always welcome.

A daughter, Wendy Lowman Ward and her husband, Christian of Hickory and their son, Ethan Brock Garrett; and a son, Darren Jeremy Lowman, his wife Agatha Zapala of Franklin, TN, and their daughters, Ashley Grace and Hannah Elizabeth, survive her.

Brothers surviving are Jack Ernst and his wife Susan of Hickory; Kirby Ernst of Granite Falls. Surviving sisters are Judy Ernst Hopp and her husband Jim of Apex and Eda McGalliard of Drexel.

In her extended family she is preceded in death by Jerry Lowman and Bobby Costner, and leaves Archie F. Lowman and his wife Judy of Drexel; Kenneth W. Lowman and his wife Lisa of Hildebran, Carolyn Davis of Myrtle Beach; Brenda Lowman Costner, wife of Bobby of Drexel; and Peggy Carswell Lowman, wife of Jerry of Valdese.

Many beloved nephews and nieces survive. She is preceded in death by one precious nephew, Devin Ernst Powell.

A Celebration of Hope’s Life will be held at Morganton First Church of God, 675 Summers Road, Morganton NC, at 12 pm on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. The family will receive friends in the church sanctuary beginning at 11am.

Entombment at Burke Memorial Park will follow the Celebration.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Morganton First Church of God in testament for her love of her Christ Jesus.

Hope was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend who gave un-selfishly to family, community, and friends. She will be missed.

Kirksey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Hope Ernst Lowman.