Catherine Melissa-Ann Hunter Lowery, 34, a resident of Stapleton, passed away Jan. 10, 2015 at UAB Medical Center from lingering complications from an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma that she had been diagnosed with in June 2013.
Melissa was born Aug. 13,1980 in Mobile. She grew up in Chickasaw where she, along with her family, were active members at Chickasaw First Baptist/First Baptist North Mobile.
After the family moved to Saraland, she graduated from Satsuma High School, where she was a member of the Spirit of Satsuma Color Guard. During her summers after high school she volunteered at Camp Adventure/Camp Smile where she worked with special needs children. This was a project very dear to her heart, and she touched many lives and made many friends.
Her work career included time spent at Delchamps, Mobile Infirmary and Carrington Foods.
Melissa and Clint were introduced to each other through mutual friends in 2003. They dated for a few years and married on Feb. 21, 2009. A short three years later, on June 6, 2012, they were blessed with the birth of a son, Hunter Andrew. Melissa then was able to spend her time as a homemaker.
Shortly before Hunter's first birthday, Melissa was diagnosed with a tumor around the base of her spine. It was discovered to be an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare childhood cancer. She endured chemotherapy with the help and support of friends and loved ones, especially her husband and parents. The tumor was successfully removed surgically.
Afterward, she underwent preventive radiation treatments. Close to one year after surgery, she began suffering complications from her treatment. These complications eventually led to her death.
Melissa is survived by her husband, Clint A. Lowery; a son, Hunter Andrew Lowery; her parents, George Wayne and Darlene Hunter of Saraland; two brothers, Scott W. (Joy) Hunter of Daphne and Jeremy (Angela) Hunter of Tuscaloosa; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation will be held at Norris Funeral Home on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, from 6 until 8 p.m.
A graveside service will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015, at 11:30 a.m., at Stapleton Community Cemetery, with a family visitation from 10-11 a.m., at Stapleton Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hunter Lowery Scholarship Fund at New Horizons Credit Union.
Arrangements by Norris Funeral Home, Bay Minette.
