Obituary of Johnetta Lowe-Riley

Johnetta “Phatz” Lowe-Riley was a caring mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world on June 21, 2022 at the age of 54. She was born on a beautiful summer day to John & Ardell Lowe on August 15, 1967. As the baby of five children, Johnetta was spoiled by everyone. She attended O.W. Home’s Elementary where enjoyed participating in spelling bees and she excelled in school. Afterwards, she attended Englewood High School. Johnetta was a people person and spent her career in customer service. From managing multiple restaurant locations to running a full service deli, she did every job with excellence and loved what she did. Johnetta was a giving, caring and selfless soul. She loved spending time with her family and friends and in the kitchen creating delicious meals. She kept people rolling in laughter with her one-liner witty remarks and was a constant source of love and encouragement to all who knew her. Johnetta moved to Iowa in 2012 where she found her peace and place in life. Even though she was born and raised in Chicago, she felt that Iowa was her home. But she never forgot where she came from. Johnetta began her faith in Christ at an early age. As a young girl in a time of fear and confusion, she heard the Lord say to her very clearly: “You belong to Me; you are Mine.” She never forgot that encounter with the living God. Johnetta was fiercely practical in her faith, and was never satisfied with easy answers to the tough questions in her life. She was persistent in desiring to know and understand God’s Word. She had a steadfast love for the Lord and touched so many lives with her unwavering faith and sincere care for others. She was baptized on September 5, 2021 under the leadership of Pastor Doug Fern at Parkview Church where she had served as a devoted member for many years. God used her in many ways within her church family, and particularly in the Spot ministry with youth, where she was affectionately known as MeMa. Johnetta is survived by her 5 children: John Lowe, Jeremy Lowe (Najja), Tony Lowe, Dianna Lowe (Malcom) and Dionja Lowe (Tiara). All 5 of her blessings gave her a total of 13 grandchildren whom she loved with all her heart. Johnetta also leaves behind her siblings: Micheal Washington of Chicago, IL, Dorothy Washington of Gary, IN, Linda Woods of Riverdale, IL, Tony Lowe of Aurora,IL, Georgia Lee Freeman of Oakland, CA, Micheal James Lowe of Matteson,IL, Bruce Edward Lowe (Lisa) of Lubbock, TX. She was preceded in death by Mario John Lowe, Mark Renardo Lowe (Cherie) of San Bernardino,CA, Lawrence Lowe, Diana Lowe. Johnetta leaves her love with all her nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, very special friends, her sister/ best friend of 50 years Joyce Wright, her bonus brother Johnny Higgins (Alvetia) and her special brother Curtis Vinson. Services will be held at Parkview Church East Campus on June 29th at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, Johnetta requests donations be given for her 5 children.