HEATHSVILLE—It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Beverly McGinnis Lowe, 86, of Heathsville, a beloved family and community member and distinguished professional in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
Lowe passed away April 10, 2024, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Virginia Newton Pannesi; and her husband, Harold Wayne Lowe.
She is survived by her son, Kevin Lowe (Sierra); and her sisters-in-law, Nancy Bovard, Cynthia Lowe, Donna Holloway and Debbie Schmidt.
Beverly studied hospitality and tourism management at Madison College (later James Madison University) before advancing her education with a master’s at the University of Iowa. Her career was marked by a passionate commitment to nutrition education, serving as a school and district nutrition manager in Richmond for six years and in Hampton for 19 years.
Through her consulting group, Beverly Lowe and Associates, she worked tirelessly with schools and other institutions and groups to promote the importance of nutrition education.
Beverly’s dedication to the field of dietetics led her to serve as the national president of the School Nutrition Association, the first female president of the International Food Service Executives Association and chair of DPG42 American Dietetic Association. She was a registered dietician for Certified Food Executives.
Her career was illustrious, earning her numerous accolades including the Colby Award for Dietetics and Child Nutrition in 1990, the Ivy Award of Distinction, the ADA Excellence in Management Dietetics and the Golden Star Award for best practice.
Beverly took great pleasure in regular fitness, including a long-standing jazzercise practice as well as speed walking. But more than fitness was her love for children and her commitment to her family. Beverly and her husband Wayne’s warmth and kindness touched the lives of many. Their legacy will continue to influence and nurture those who had the good fortune to know them.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 16, at Fairfields Methodist Church in Burgess. A reception will follow in the church hall. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or the Animal Welfare League of the Northern Neck.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
