Elizabeth Orchard "Lib" Lowe Porter

Elizabeth Orchard "Lib" Lowe Porter passed away peacefully on September 4th, 2025, surrounded by her family at St. Andrew's Living Center in Concord, North Carolina. 

Lib was born on December 17th, 1937, in Fulton County, Georgia, to the late Robert Quintin Lowe Jr. and Elizabeth Orchard Lafferty Lowe. Before her first birthday, she moved with her family to Cabarrus County to be closer to her maternal grandparents, Parks and Pearl Lafferty.

From an early age, Lib developed a deep love for horses and animals. She began riding horses with her father before she could even walk, a passion that continued throughout her life. Known for her equestrian knowledge, many in the community turned to her for advice. Because of her outgoing and infectious spirit, Lib formed friendships everywhere she went.

Lib attended Coltrane Webb Elementary School, where she often rode her pony to the playground. She later attended Concord High School, graduating in 1955. Her first marriage to William E. "Bill" Brooks blessed her with three children: Denise, Erskine, and Amy.

Lib worked for Cabarrus Memorial Hospital in Concord, NC as a laboratory administrator. She never met a stranger and made countless lifelong friends during her years at the hospital. Later, she married Ernest Porter Jr., and together they operated Porter Drug Store in Downtown Concord. They built a new home and barn on Parks Lafferty Rd., a home they shared with many horses and other animals through the years. Lib and Ernest also shared a love of travel, exploring much of the country in their RV.

Lib is survived by her husband, Ernest Porter Jr.; son William Erskine Brooks, Jr. (Terry); daughter Amy Brooks Thomas (Thomas); stepdaughters Barbara Porter Johnston (Tony) and Carol Porter Boone (Allen deceased 2023). Lib was preceded in death by her daughter Denise, in 1966 and her stepdaughter Mary Porter Lamb in 2022.

Lib was blessed to see all her grandchildren grow up, graduate from college, marry and start families of their own. She was “nanny” to her cherished grandchildren: Quintin Thomas (Liz), Amanda Thomas Hutchins (Cody), Erskine Brooks (Brooke), and Nicole Brooks Goins (Will), as well as her great-grandchildren: McKenna, Kylee, Camden, Kolton, Julia, Leah, Clare and Henry…. And step grandchildren: Jessica, Lindsay, Christy, Jeffrey, and Travis.

Lib’s favorite pastime was being with her animals, especially her horses. She loved traveling to the mountains and the coast to ride with friends and family. A highlight of each year was riding on horseback in the Concord Christmas Parade – an event she enjoyed most of her life.

Lib spent the final three years of her life in the loving care of the staff at the St. Andrews Living Center.

Lib’s fun-loving nature, warm smile, and generous spirit will be missed by all who knew her.