Julia Anne Graves (Lowry)
1930-2017
Anne Lowry Graves died peacefully September 14, 2017. Born in Murray, Kentucky on July 10, 1930 to C. S. Lowry and Lillian Jones Lowry, she earned her B.A. in English from Murray State University. There she met Richard Hardin Graves. They married in 1950 and shared life for 62 years. They moved to Houston in 1954 and soon purchased a house in Meyerland, her home for six decades. She and Richard were early members of St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, and in 1958 Anne began teaching English and Latin at St. Thomas' school. During 50 years' teaching, Anne became Dean of Women and head of the English Department. Her satisfaction was opening to students the joy of learning and the beauty of language, literature and art; she inspired confidence and enthusiasm that carried students into their own career and life choices. She retired in 2010. St. Thomas' honored her service with a plaque engraved with the school song, which Anne wrote.
Anne's passions were broad and deep; her knowledge and skills were many. Drawn to language and poetry, she wrote and acted in her youth. She read voraciously, engaging with minds from many cultures, informed by her Christian faith. She enjoyed wild places, where she had a sharp eye for flowers and birds. She mastered calligraphy and needlepoint and created quilts for relatives and friends, each with a theme specific to its recipient. Anne loved animals (and they loved her), especially her Basenjis. Seven dogs once lived in her house, walked with her daily and traveled with her to shows around the country. She served many years as secretary of the Basenji Club of America.
She is survived by three sons and their wives: David and Michelle Graves of Houston, John and Nancy Graves of Houston and Paul and Nina Graves of Kerava, Finland; eight grandchildren: Christopher, Matthew, Richard, Samuli, Emma, Daniel, Miranda and Nathan; and a great-granddaughter, Lillian Grace Denby, whose mother, Ashley Graves Denby (1979-2012), was Anne's eldest grandchild.
A memorial service will be held at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, 4900 Jackwood, Houston, at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 28. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Thomas' Episcopal Church and School.