By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

Jean Lowe has been selling real estate since carbon paper was used in contracts and before cell phones and computers.

Known as the Lay Lake Lady, Jean Lowe and Lowe Realty have been a staple in real estate in Shelby County for over 25 years.

Lowe Realty has recently changed its name to Weichert Realtors, but not its philosophy.

“God has blessed us,” said founder Lowe. “Weichert came to us. They are located in New Jersey and want to expand to the South.

“Everything today is done on the Internet, and they have a great Internet presence. We wanted to grow our business and it seemed like a good fit. I am the qualifying broker and my son Allan is the managing broker. With Weichert we can serve the community and offer more services.”

Jean started in real estate with Johnson, Rast and Hayes specializing in Lay Lake.

A multi-year member of the Million Dollar Club, Lowe along with husband Johnny began Lowe Realty out of the basement of their home on Lay Lake.

Johnny did the paperwork; Jean handled the sales.

They built their home in Shelby Shores before paved roads and city water were available using a generator for power.

Johnny was in the Alabama Army National Guard for 40 years retiring in 1989 as Warrant Officer 4.

In 1991 the Lowes bought the brick building on Mildred Street next to City Hall, and Lowe Realty became a fixture in Columbiana.

“I treat people like I want to be treated,” said Jean. “I try to treat people with honesty, fairness and consideration of their feelings and needs.”

Johnny was well-known in Columbiana till his untimely death at age 69 in 2002.

He was very active with mentally challenged students, played Santa for years and helped provide a limo and prom dresses for the students.

Johnny was active with Meals on Wheels as well as senior citizens.

After Johnny’s death, Allan became the managing partner of Lowe Realty while Jean continues in sales, her first love.

Allan also owns and operates Nationwide Insurance, is a Gulf War veteran and former mayor of Columbiana.