NEWPORT NEWS—Rosa B. Williams Lowther, 81, died July 2, 2008, after a long illness.

She attended Edenton High School in Edenton, N.C.

Mrs. Lowther was a longtime resident of Newport News, and a member of Greater Walters AME Zion Church in Newport News, where she served on the Usher Board, was a member of the Prayer Band, Bible Study and Sunday School.

In 1994, she was crowned Queen of Greater Walters.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George E. Lowther, and a daughter, Vanessa Mattocks.

Survivors include her 12 children, Betty Highsmith (Earl) of Smithfield, Barbara Adams of Newport News, George Lowther Jr. of Newport News, Rosa Diane Shelton of Newport News, Elnora Butler of Newport News, Stephen Lowther (Sharon) of Hampton, Alexander Lowther of Newport News, Janet (Ozie) Brown of Newport News, Vera Wright of Newport News, Christopher Lowther of Newport News, Jerry Lowther of Newport News and Karen Lowther of Newport News; 29 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends, Susie Scott and Sis. Franckie Williams.

The family wishes to express our sincerest gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Johnny Hyde, his assistant Lisa Morris, Dr. Bruce Booth, the Nurse Station at Port Warwick III, Dr. Thaddeus G. Sutton (PCP), Dr. Lind W. Chinnery, Dr. Anthony Sibley, Dr. Debra Lee, Cynthia Williams RN, Sentara Home Health Care and Sentara Hospice Team.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Greater Walters AME Zion Church, 656-28th St., Newport News, the Rev. Dr. Kenneth W. Arrington, senior pastor.

Interment will follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be held from noon to 6 p.m. today at the funeral home and two hours prior at the church.

Services of Celebration and Remembrance are entrusted to the M.E. Fisher Funeral Home.