Myron Lowery, who dedicated more than 30 years to public service, has died, the Shelby County Board of Commissioners announced Sunday.
Lowery’s career in Memphis was marked by historic firsts and steadfast leadership. He was the only elected official to serve in all three branches of city government and the longest-serving African American on the Memphis City Council. Most recently, he served as Memphis City Court Clerk from 2020 to 2024. He also chaired the Memphis City Council and stepped in as mayor pro tem in 2009.
Before entering politics, Lowery broke barriers in local media as one of the first Black television anchors and reporters in Memphis, serving 12 years at WMC-TV Channel 5. He later worked in corporate communications at FedEx for 17 years.
A lifelong champion of civic unity, Lowery, alongside his son Shelby County Commissioner Mickell Lowery, hosted an annual interfaith New Year’s Day prayer breakfast. The tradition brought together neighbors across faiths and backgrounds to reflect, serve and set a common table for the year ahead.
The Lowery family has requested privacy during this time and invites the community to honor his legacy through acts of service in their neighborhoods and by supporting LeMoyne-Owen College, his beloved alma mater.
Funeral service details will be announced in the coming days.
