Mary “Audrey” Lowery passed away at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, Va., on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. She was born on Oct. 12, 1947 to Mary Alice (Hearold) and Aubrey Lowery in the home her father built in Irvington. Audrey graduated from Lancaster High School in 1966, then received degrees from Rappahannock Community College, Christopher Newport College and VCU, and earned numerous other educational endorsements.

Audrey was a career educator, spending 42 years in public schools, including the Essex, Lancaster and Gloucester systems. She worked with teachers at RCC and CNU. She co-authored books, articles, and the SOLs, presented at many workshops and conferences, and created mentorship programs.

Outside of education, Audrey initiated the Distinctive Bazaar of the Northern Neck at her church and was involved in animal welfare, among many other charities.

Audrey was preceded in death by her parents and younger brother, Tommy. She is survived by her brother, Tim (Lori); nephews, Jake (Karlyn) and Luke (Maddie) Lowery, their children T.J., Kinsley and Levi. Dear extended family members include uncle, Thomas (Sonny) Hearold; cousins, Joyce Mitchell, Mary Hearold, Patty Dawson. She had many devoted friends and a loving dog, Blossom. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, at Irvington United Methodist Church, 26 King Carter Drive, Irvington 22480, with a reception to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the church, to continue a garden begun by Audrey.