ATLANTA — On Sunday, the nation continued to mourn the passing of Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery.
The former pastor and civil rights leader died Friday, surrounded by his loved ones.
On Sunday morning, Cascade United Methodist Church in southwest Atlanta, the congregation he led for many years, honored him during a virtual service.
Lowery served as pastor at Cascade for 14 years, and its current pastor said the service was all about remembering Lowery and honoring his memory.
"He could connect with you no matter what level you were on. And he was, at his core, a very real person. He cared about people and that is the crux of his legacy that he cared about people, he cared about social justice. He wanted to see the world a better place," said Dr. Kevin Murriel, Cascade's current senior pastor. "When we talk about (the word) being made alive and social justice, that's what he did; he lived the word by his actions. He will be truly missed."
The Lowery family released a statement that said, in part, "Our family is humbled and blessed by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support. We thank you for loving our father and for your continuous prayers during this time."
The family asked that instead of flowers, people make a donation to the Joseph & Evelyn Lowery Institute.
The Lowery family will be holding private funeral services.
Due to the coronavirus, a public memorial for Dr. Lowery will likely take place in the late summer or early fall.
