LANCASTER, SC:::::::::::Mrs. Ella Ruth Lowery Simpson, age 88, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2014 at her home.

The Service of Remembrance for Mrs. Simpson will be 2:00 pm Thursday, June 12, 2014 at First Baptist Church of Lancaster officiated by Rev. Randy Hatcher. Entombment will follow at Lancaster Memorial Park Mausoleum.

A native of Lancaster, Mrs. Simpson was the daughter of the late Fred Henry Lowery and Lois Garris Lowery and was the widow of William Franklin Simpson. She retired from her position as Organist of First Baptist Church of Lancaster where she faithfully served for fifty-seven years, having begun while the congregation was having services in the old building and continuing in that capacity after the new sanctuary was built. She dedicated her life to sharing her God given musical talents to make life richer and fuller for those whose lives she touched. Earlier in her life, she attended Winthrop College majoring in piano and later gave piano lessons both in her home and in the Lancaster City School District for many years. She is also remembered for her various contributions to the community, among them serving as the instrumental accompanist for both church functions and choral groups in the area, for numerous weddings and funerals. She was a member of the Lancaster Music Study Club and other organizations in the state and local areas whose goal it is to promote the Arts.

Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn Simpson Waters and Edgar Paul Waters of Lancaster, SC; sisters, Glendora L. Horton of Lexington, SC and Gladys L. Small of Hendersonville, NC; a brother, Clyde R. Lowery and his wife Shirley of West Columbia, SC; grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Simpson was preceded in death by two brothers, Fred H. Lowery, Jr. and Joe Lowery, and a sister, Carolyn Lowery.

The Family will receive friends one hour before the service, from 1:00 -2:00pm Thursday, in the Foyer of the Family Life Center and other times at the home. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, Music Fund, PO Box 670, Lancaster, SC 29721.

The Service of Remembrance for Mrs. Simpson will be 2:00 pm Thursday, June 12, 2014 at First Baptist Church of Lancaster.

The Family will receive friends one hour before the service, from 1:00 -2:00pm Thursday, in the Foyer of the Family Life Center and other times at the home.