Obituary for Dr Kathleen Sue Lowney

Dr. Kathleen Lowney passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024 after a short illness at the age of 65.

She was born in Butte Montana on November 27, 1958 to Lois and William Lowney. Kathe developed serious allergies and as a result they moved to Seattle. She had a strong interest in sociology and religion and entered the University of Washington where she double majored in Sociology and Comparative Religion. She then entered Drew University where she obtained a Masters degree and continued to obtain a PhD in Religion and Society. She met her future husband Dr. Frank Flaherty there who went to teach physics at Valdosta State College. They were married in 1986 and she moved to Valdosta where she obtained a position at VSU teaching sociology.

She loved teaching and was unafraid to experiment with new techniques for helping students to understand concepts. She was beloved by her students even though she held them to very high academic standards.

Her teaching ability was recognized by numerous teaching awards at the college, state and national level. She also served as the editor of the American Sociology Association’s journal: Teaching Sociology from 2010 to 2014. Dr. Lowney was also the driving force behind instituting a Teaching and Learning Center at VSU to assist faculty to improve their teaching.

Dr. Lowney did not ignore her responsibility as a professor to engage in academic research and publishing. During her time at VSU she wrote four books and 41 journal and book chapter articles.

Dr. Lowney's sister Terri is deceased, and she is survived by her sisters Mary Faure, Debra Hofbauer and Pat Jennings and their families as well as many relatives in Montana. Her kindness and brilliance shone through in her interactions with people. She will be sorely missed not just by her husband, but also by those who had the privilege of getting to know her.

The family will receive friends from 1pm to 3pm on Friday, January 12, 2024 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.


You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com