Gregory L. Lowe

On May 16th at 9:40 p.m. the Lord called home to Glory a wonderful Man. Gregory Leonard Lowe passed away peacefully that evening with his Son, Cortrell L. Lowe, by his side at the Hospice Care Unit of the Veterans Administration Hospital. Gregory Leonard Lowe was born September 17, 1946, to the wedded union of Ethel Holt (Gould) and Leonard Lowe in Cleveland, OH. His maternal Grandparents, Forrest & Lillian Holt, who were well known in the Olivet community and longstanding members of Bethany Baptist Church, had major roles in Gregory's upbringing. Early in his teenage years, a notable role his Grandparents played was allowing Gregory to craft his skills out of their basement in the art of what would become his eventual career... barbering. Gregory often told the proud story of how he purchased his expensive "beaver" hat and other nice garments, as a teenager, from his hard work cutting hair out of that basement. Gregory attended Max S. Hayes High School with a keen interest in the schools' automotive repair and maintenance curriculum where he learned how to take a car completely apart and putting it back together. After graduating from Max S. Hayes in 1964, Gregory was soon after drafted in the Army. While stationed in Germany, Gregory loved learning some of the German language which he would use from time to time around family and friends. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Gregory returned to Cleveland where he worked as a Foreman at Conrail Railroad Company on E. 152nd Street. Gregory then fulfilled his dream of becoming what many knew him as, a licensed barber. Gregory graduated from Allstate Barber College on W. 25th & Lorain with his State of Ohio barber's license. Obtaining a barbers license is not an easy task for anyone, however, Gregory persevered through the many hours of barber school and difficult testing. Gregory would then mend himself throughout the community as he worked for many years as a well-respected barber at Pendleton's Barbershop. Gregory often shared the story of how he cut Steve Harvey's hair before he became famous. To all who came to know him, "Greg" ‘G. Lowe' ‘G' ‘Papa Lowe' as he was affectionately called by some) was always a good-hearted, well-meaning man.  He loved life, he loved people, and he loved having a good time.  As a young man, those ‘good times' lead to some troubling times for Gregory, but by the grace of God, he overcame those adversities and, after some stumbles along the way, went on to reform and transform himself back to the proud and dignified man we all came to know and love. Not only was he a ‘good man', he was a wonderful father, a caring grandfather, and a ‘great'-grandfather. And no one will disagree that Greg was always ‘cool.' It did not take anyone (family, friend, or acquaintance) very long to recognize that Gregory was a very stylish man who took pride in his appearance and his belongings. He always wanted the best that ‘his money' could buy.  While he was humble at heart with a calm demeanor, he had no problem letting you know that he could clean up well and be dressed to the nines. But even then, Greg never hesitated to lend a hand or to do what he could for anyone... if he had it and you needed it, you got it! Gregory had two loves early on in his life. He met and married his first love, Jacqueline Lowe, in the late 1960s. His second love was Renee Garner (Banks), with whom was born their only son, Cortrell L. Lowe.  One of the highpoints of Greg's life was the birth of Cortrell. Greg was a doting father to his son even after the couple's separation. Every other week or so, Greg would schedule ‘father & son' time and they would go off on some fun outing. Most times it was to the movies to catch up on the latest blockbuster movie. Greg was also a dedicated father. When Renee decided to serve her country and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1986, Greg stepped up to the plate and took on the responsibility of raising their young teenage son. And yes, "he got by with a ‘lot of' help from his friends." One of those friends was Jonita Collier (Fields), who took on the role of surrogate mother while Renee was stationed overseas. And yes... "Granny Brent", Renee's mother, was always ‘on call' and standing by.   Greg had many friends but, most notably, there were no friends closer to him than his lifelong partners... David Blackwell, William Carter, and Eugene Jackson. Greg cherished his friendships with them, spanning over 60 years, as they cherished theirs with Greg - even being there by his side during the last days of Greg's life. That is a true testament to the loyalty and trust shared between them.  Greg knew the Lord and maintained a personal relationship with God.  Prayer was a regular part of his day as was watching T. D. Jakes and some of the other televangelist.  He made sure he always gave honor and praise to God and was humbled by whatever God blessed him with no matter how small or insignificant. Greg loved his family.  He went so far as to move across town to be near Cortrell's family so he could help stand in the gap and watch his grandchildren.  He was there whenever he was needed to pick up and drop off the kids from school or to attend an extracurricular activity.  He readily volunteered his time and advice.  He was always there for the family and never once complained.  He had a strong relationship with his son Cortrell. That bond was evidenced by Greg's weekly routine of calling him to catch up on ‘family matters' every single Sunday morning at exactly 10:00 am. He never missed a Sunday... you could set your watch by his call.  Every time he spoke with family, he never forgot to tell us that he loved us.  He never forgot a birthday day or holiday, usually being the first to call with good wishes. He would also let us know that he prayed for his family and loved ones each and every day.  He loved nothing more than to see things go right for all those around him and for everyone to be blessed by God with prosperity.  Greg survived the trials and tribulations of life in a manner that only someone who knows God can do.  He was a living example of "If you pray, don't worry, and if you worry, don't pray." He truly and sincerely believed in the power of prayer. He was always a voice of reason and a repository of wisdom for Cortrell.  Gregory L. Lowe succumbed to a sudden and short-lived battle with cancer.  To the very end, Cortrell was by his father's side comforting him when the Lord called his angel home. He leaves to mourn in passing Cortrell's mother Renee Banks (Charles); his younger brother Jerome Lowe; his son Cortrell Lowe (Nicole); Three grandchildren, Ashley Lowe, Nicolas Lowe, and Cortni Lowe; Two great-grandchildren Skylar and Rajleon. He also leaves behind an extended family of foster siblings, nieces & nephews, cousins, and a host of family and dear friends.