J. Lowry Sinclair, III

Lowry Sinclair passed away on February 22, 2014, while vacationing in Cancun, Mexico. Lowry was born in Franklin, Virginia, on December 26, 1942. He lived in both Philadelphia, PA, and Rehoboth Beach, DE. He graduated from Franklin High School and obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Elon University, where he was class president. While teaching high school social studies in Hampton, VA, Lowry received his Master’s degree from Hampton University. He spent most of his professional career as a guidance counselor at Philadelphia’s Daniel Boone School, where he retired in 2000. 

A counselor of life and mentor to many, he will be remembered for his passionate, caring, and courageous soul. He was very proud of his association with Elon University, where he created the J. Lowry Sinclair III Endowment to support undergraduate research. His donation, the first of its kind at Elon, supports undergraduate students exploring research projects in the area of social or behavioral sciences, and particularly research associated with the complex issues of sexual orientation. From the time he came out until his death, Lowry was an advocate for equal rights and treatment for all, making him an inspiration to countless others. A guiding influence for many in the Pennsylvania and Delaware LGBT communities, his humor, inspiration, and influence will be sorely missed. His life’s selfless treatment of others, his positive influence on Philadelphia’s youth throughout a career as a public school counselor, and his most recent work helping others deal with substance abuse, leaves behind a proud legacy. 

Lowry was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse L. Sinclair, Jr., and Willie Rountree Sinclair. He is survived by his sister, Victoria Sinclair Cobb and her husband, Colonel William P. Cobb, USAF (Ret), of Pompano Beach, FL; his niece, Victoria Cobb Shamy and her husband, Adam, and great nieces Mackenzie and Zoe, of Tallahassee, FL; and his nephew, William P. Cobb, Jr., and his wife Pam and great niece, Marisa and great nephew, Nicolas, of Bogota, Colombia.

A memorial service for Lowry will be held in Rehoboth Beach at CAMP Rehoboth, 37 Baltimore Avenue, on March 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the J. Lowry Sinclair III ’65 Endowment, University Advancement, Elon University, Campus Box 2600, Elon, NC 27244.