Ocracoke attorney Katherine Suzanne Parker-Lowe, 64, died April 11.
Born July 1, 1959, in Ahoskie, Hertford County, she was a daughter of the
late Lauretta Dyer Parker and Joseph M. Parker.
Katherine was preceded in death by her beloved husband Keith Parker-Lowe.
After graduating from Ahoskie High School, where she played in the band, Katherine’s passion for justice and advocacy guided her throughout her life.
After obtaining her bachelor’s degree from UNC Greensboro and her juris
doctor from Campbell University School of Law, she began her career as a staff
attorney with Legal Services of the Coastal Plains in Ahoskie.
There she met her husband Keith, and in 1994, they moved to Ocracoke where she established her own practice and dedicated herself to serving the legal needs of the community as Katherine Parker-Lowe attorney-at-Law.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Katherine had a deep appreciation for classical music, history, and her home on Ocracoke that she shared with Keith.
The North Carolina Symphony recently visited Ocracoke for the first time when the symphony’s woodwind quartet played a concert at Ocracoke School thanks to her influence and support.
She was also an active member of the Ocracoke United Methodist Church where she served as lay representative to the UMC conference.
Shortly before her passing she ventured on an exciting trip through the heart of Europe to Prague, Salzburg and Vienna – the land of WWII, Mozart, and “The Sound of Music.” She enjoyed keeping her family and friends updated on her travels, as well as happenings on the island, with her frequent Facebook posts.
Katherine was a successful lawyer and business woman and she achieved a significant legal victory when she successfully won an appeal at the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
She was also known as a zealous advocate for the rights of those in need. She leaves behind a legacy of dedication and service to the community as “The Island Lawyer.”
She is survived by her brother, Joseph W. Parker of Raleigh, an aunt, Suzannah Early of Apex, an aunt and uncle, Gifford and Mary Ann Dyer of Chagrin Falls, Ohio; her step-children and her cousins.
Her family and friends take comfort in her reunion with Keith. They were partners in life and even though they rooted for different schools–he was a diehard Duke fan and she rooted just as hard for UNC–together they made a great team. They shared a love for cooking, and they particularly enjoyed cooking for and entertaining the many family and friends who came to visit them on the island.
Services to honor Katherine’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, in Ocracoke United Methodist Church.
Her family wishes to extend a thank you to islanders – both old and new – who welcomed her, shared her community and kept an eye on her after Keith’s passing. A special thanks to Kenny Ballance on whom she relied.
Memorial contributions may be made to organizations that held a special place in her heart, including the NC Symphony, Ocracoke United Methodist Church, Ocracoke Fire Department, or the Ocracoke Health Center.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
