Anna Celeste Lowe

June 13, 2005 – Jan. 13, 2011

Funeral Services for Anna Celeste Lowe, 5, of West Monroe, LA will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, January 20, 2011 in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral West Monroe, LA with Rev. Neil Everette officiating. Interment will follow in the Hasley Cemetery under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home West Monroe, LA.

Celeste was born on June 13, 2005 in West Monroe, LA and passed away on January 13, 2011 in Bossier City, LA. She was a bright, loving little girl who loved her family, music, dancing, make-up, and playing dress-up, she even dressed up her brother. Celeste had many friends that made a difference in her life.

Survivors include her mother, Jamie Mercer; siblings, Brittany and Brian Holmes; maternal grandparents, Brian and Kathy Mercer; paternal grandparents, Anne and Dewayne Lowe; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Pallbearers will be AJ Ross, Wes Hilborn, Jeff Balsamo and Denver Mercer.

Mulhearn Funeral Home

West Monroe, LA.

Published by The News Star on Jan. 20, 2011.

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TRIBUTES:

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In Loving Memory Of Little Angel Anna Celeste Lowe

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBpWYb9iHKY

Made by: Connie Lloyd

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Celeste's Legacy

In the gentle breezes of West Monroe, Louisiana, a precious life began on June 13, 2005. Anna Celeste Lowe entered this world, bringing with her an essence of innocence and the unspoken promise of potential. Her birth was a celebration of new life for her mother, Jamie Mercer, and a joyous occasion for her siblings, Brittany and Brian Holmes.

Celeste's early years were a delightful journey of discovery and wonder. She blossomed in an environment filled with love and care, primarily nurtured by her devoted mother and her affectionate siblings. Her childhood was adorned with the typical milestones that bring smiles and warm hearts. Her first steps were wobbly adventures towards independence, her first words a melody to the ears of those who adored her. Each of these moments was a testament to her vibrant personality and the joy she brought into their lives.

Celeste's world was colored with the playful pursuits typical of young children. She found immense joy in music and dancing, her movements and laughter filling the room with an infectious energy. Her love for playing dress-up revealed her early creative spark, a glimpse into a world of imagination and dreams. These activities were not just pastimes; they were expressions of a young soul exploring the wonders of life.

The bond Celeste shared with her mother and siblings was a tapestry woven from countless shared moments, from the mundane to the magical. Her mother, Jamie, watched with pride as Celeste grew, not just in size but in spirit. Each day with Celeste was a gift, a new opportunity to experience the world through her eyes, filled with curiosity and joy.

Anna Celeste Lowe's life, a vibrant tapestry of joy and innocence, was tragically and abruptly ended in a manner that stands in stark contrast to the love and care she deserved.

In remembering Anna Celeste Lowe, we honor her not just by mourning her loss but also by committing ourselves to be more aware, more caring, and more proactive in safeguarding the innocence and well-being of children everywhere. Her life, though marked by an unspeakable tragedy, inspires a continued effort to protect children and prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. Celeste's memory implores us to create a world where every child is safe, loved, and given the chance to thrive.

Celeste's funeral service, held at Mulhearn Funeral Home in West Monroe, was both a somber farewell and a celebration of her life. The service, led by Rev. Neil Everette, was a gathering of hearts united in grief and love. The interment at Hasley Cemetery marked a poignant farewell to a child whose life, though brief, was deeply cherished.

The outpouring of love and condolences in the wake of Celeste's passing was a testament to her impact. People from various walks of life, touched by her story, shared their grief and offered comfort. Each message, each memory shared, was a reflection of the love she inspired and the lives she touched, however briefly.

In the face of this tragedy, there is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of protecting the innocence of childhood. Celeste's story is a call to cherish and safeguard the young lives around us. Her life, though marked by an untimely end, challenges us to be vigilant in our care for children and to create environments where they can thrive safely.

Remembering Anna Celeste Lowe brings both tears and smiles. Tears for a life taken too soon, and smiles for the joy she brought during her time here. Her story, though marred by tragedy, is also a story of love, innocence, and the fleeting beauty of childhood. It is a reminder of the preciousness of every moment and the enduring impact of a young life, however short it may be.

Celeste's legacy is a powerful one, echoing in the hearts of those she left behind. It is a legacy of love, a reminder of the joys of childhood, and a call to action to protect and honor the lives of all children. In her memory, we are inspired to look at the world with the same wonder and joy that she did, cherishing each day and each child as the gifts they truly are.

Written by: Alan Owen

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MEMORIES & CONDOLENCES

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Your an angel now sweetie! Fly high with your wings!! Your mom misses you xoxo

Brandy Herndon

June 16, 2011

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Can't stop thinking of you. Rest in heavenly peace~~~~

Gidget Hudson

January 31, 2011

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rest in peace little girl

alexa

January 30, 2011

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So sorry for your loss

Daisy Headley

January 29, 2011

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Susan Harris

January 25, 2011

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WE ARE SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, YOUR LITTLE ANGEL IS WITH GOD NOW. YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS, GWENDA AND RONALD CRAWFORD.

GWENDA CRAWFORD

January 22, 2011

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Beautiful Little Angel whose name will never be forgotten...

Rose Wyll

January 22, 2011

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I have been following the story also.I have a little girl Celeste's age. I can not even begin to imagine.My prayers are with you and your mom. God Bless you Little Angel.

Rhonda Johnson

January 21, 2011

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She was an angel here on earth she had to go home to get her wings. Anna Celeste was and always will be loved by us. May the day hasten that we may hold her in heaven. We are so heartbroken I pray for your family's peace.

Dixie McCoy

January 21, 2011

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To The Family of Anna Celeste: May the grace and love of God sustain each of you during this tragic time. Remembering you in prayer.

Donald Manning

January 21, 2011

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I'm so sorry for your loss. Ya'll in my prayers. Find comfort in the Lord.

Nicole Atkins

January 20, 2011

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Ann, I am so sorry for you and your familes loss!!! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers !!!

Cheryl Lee

January 20, 2011

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My heart breaks for the entire family of this beautiful child. The Lord has wrapped this child in his loving arms and she will forever be one of his special little angels. May the Lord help this family in this time of sorrow.

Brenda & Cecil Reddick

January 20, 2011

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Sweet Celeste you are now safe, protected and so loved in the arms of Jesus. Jamie and family, I can't begin to imagine the pain that you are going through but I hope that you can find peace and comfort knowing where Celeste is and that she is eternally safe and loved. She will always be with you in your heart and those precious and sweet memories that you both shared can never be taken from you. I hope you can feel the prayers and love that people are extending to you from this tragic and senseless loss.

Dianne Schulz

January 20, 2011

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Oh Honey ~~ What can ANY of us Say ~~~ GOD Be With You And Yours Through This & Always ~~ Renee Y. Blumhost { Crystal Harris' Mom }

Renee Blumhost

January 20, 2011

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My deepest sympathy for the loss of such a sweet little angel.... and now she's one of God's angels.. the sun shines on you that"s going to be her way of saying"mommy I'm ok".May God keep His loving arms around u now and always.

Brenda Thornhill/ Johnston

January 20, 2011

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No words can express the feelings you must be going through at this time. Remember the good times with Celeste and know that you have the prayerful support of family and friends at this time. May God sustain you in this time of sorrow and replace the bad memories with cheerful ones.

Brenda & Odie Rawls

January 20, 2011

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My prayers are with you all!

Launa Williams

January 20, 2011

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Lord, wrap this little girl in your loving arms and let her loved ones know that she is safe and sound now. AMEN

Sissy Comfort

January 20, 2011

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My heart cries with you,

I pray that GOD will give you piece.

Gidget Hudson

January 20, 2011

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CELESTE I NEVER MET YOU BUT YOUR STORY IS ONE THAT I FOLLOWED AND FEEL I NEED TO LET YOU & YOUR MOM KNOW MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. YOU ARE IN THE HANDS OF OUR FATHER & WILL NEVER FEEL PAIN. ONLY LOVE . GOD BLESS YOU

CYNTHIA MORAVETZ

January 20, 2011

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News stories about the death of Anna Celeste Lowe

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5-YEAR OLD CHILD BELIEVED MURDERED BY STEPMOTHER

Bossier Undersheriff Doyle Dempsey says the stepmother of a 5 year old girl who was pronounced dead at W.K. Pierremont on Thursday, January 13, 2011, has been charged with first degree murder.

Catherine Murray Lowe, 34, was already being held in the Bossier Maximum Security Facility on a charge of negligent homicide in connection with the death of Anna Celeste Lowe, her stepdaughter. Bossier Sheriff's investigators say Catherine Murray's two biological children were present Wednesday, January 12, 2011, some time between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., when Catherine Murray followed Anna Celeste into a bathroom at their Sunset Villa mobile home in south Bossier. Shortly after that, they say they heard a very loud thump and when they went to the bathroom, Anna Celeste was lying on the floor in obvious pain and was vomiting.

Eventually, Catherine Murray Lowe and her husband, Wesley Dwayne Lowe, 32, were taken into custody after the medical staff at W.K. Pierremont contacted the Bossier Sheriff's Department regarding Anna Celeste, who was brought to the emergency room by Catherine Murray and Wesley Dwayne. The emergency room staff told Bossier Sheriff's investigators that the child arrived at the hospital at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2011, and tests that were conducted indicate the time of death to be approximately 2 hours prior to the child's arrival.

The emergency room staff also told Bossier Sheriff's detectives that Wesley Dwayne and Catherine Murray gave contradictory statements, alleging that the child had been in and out of consciousness during the twenty minute drive to the hospital. The emergency room staff noticed bruising and trauma over the entirety of the child's body.

The Bossier Parish Deputy Coroner also noted that "rigor mortis" had begun taking effect and was present in the child's facial area. An autopsy was immediately scheduled by Bossier Parish Coroner, Dr. John Chandler, and performed. The cause of death was determined to be the result of internal injuries and bleeding into the body cavity. Bossier Sheriff's investigators, in conjunction with Chandler, say Anna Celeste's stomach was detached from her intestines and her liver was lacerated in two places.

After the autopsy, Bossier Sheriff's investigators immediately contacted the child's biological father, Wesley Dwayne, and her stepmother, Catherine Murray, and conducted formal interviews with them at the Bossier Sheriff's Department detective office. The father and mother gave contradictory statements regarding the child's injuries and discounted her continuous vomiting and extreme abdominal pain as something caused by a common stomach virus.

The child was subsequently held out of school on Thursday, January 13, 2011, and brought to Catherine Murray's place of employment, near Benton, at approximately 7:30 a.m. Co-workers later told Bossier Sheriff's investigators that the child was a pale blue color and unable to walk or stand on her own. Co-workers say they told Catherine Murray to seek medical attention for the child immediately and feared for her health and safety. Catherine Murray told investigators she then left her place of employment and began making the long drive back to her residence in Elm Grove.

During the long trip home, Catherine Murray stopped at a grocery store in Bossier City, leaving the dying child alone in the vehicle as she went inside to purchase "Gatorade." Catherine Murray then returned to her vehicle and continued the long drive back to her residence in Elm Grove. Catherine Murray passed several hospitals on the way and made absolutely no attempt to obtain necessary and critical medical attention for the dying child. Catherine Murray subsequently returned to her residence, and from there, she and Wesley Dwayne transported the child to W.K. Pierremont by private vehicle.

Based on statements made by Wesley Dwayne, Catherine Murray, Catherine Murray's co-workers and medical professionals, Bossier Sheriff's investigators concluded that Wesley Dwayne and Catherine Murray intentionally neglected to provide the child with the timely and critical medical attention she desperately needed for fear of law enforcement and Child Protective Services intervention. As a result, Wesley Dwayne and Catherine Murray are currently charged with negligent homicide.

In addition, based on the statements of Catherine Murray's children and others, Bossier Sheriff's investigators have concluded Catherine Murray had specific intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm to Anna Celeste, and as a result, she has been charged with first degree murder.

© 2011 News Radio 710 KEEL, Townsquare Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Stepmother of Anna Celeste Lowe pleads guilty to manslaughter

BOSSIER PARISH, LA (KSLA) - Bossier Parish District Attorney Schuyler Marvin says Catherine Lowe pled guilty to a charge of manslaughter for her part in the January 2011 death of her stepdaughter, Celeste.

"Even though it's only 25 years at least we're guaranteed she's going to spend those years in jail," said Jamie Mercer, mother of Celeste Lowe.

While she admits to wanting a stiffer penalty for Catherine Lowe, Mercer understands the strategy on the part of the DA's office to offer Lowe a lesser charge for a guilty plea.

"This is a case that could go either way at the trial level could have gone either way on the appellate level," said Bossier DA Schuyler Marvin.

For his office it was a choice between the Catherine possibly getting zero years, or 25 years.

When asked how he responds to some who think she should spend more time in jail Marvin said "I can understand that but you have to know the facts of the case - it takes a 12 person jury to decide if you brought enough facts to warrant a conviction for murder."

Marvin says the deal was offered a long time ago, because while prosecutors had evidence that pointed to a beating death, the actual cause of death was difficult to prove.

"Both sides, us and the defense, had experts that were prepared to testify what they thought caused the child's death, obviously those opinions conflicted with each other," said Marvin.

Jury selection in her 2nd degree murder trial was set to being Monday morning. A manslaughter conviction would be a lesser sentence from the one she would face if convicted of 2nd degree murder.

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Jury selection is set to begin Monday for a Bossier Parish couple accused of killing their 5-year-old daughter.

34-year-old Wesley Lowe is charged with negligent homicide while his wife, 36-year-old Catherine Lowe, is charged with 2nd degree murder in the death of 5-year-old Celeste Lowe back in January 2011.

Detectives working the case say on the morning of January 13, 2011, Catherine said her stepdaughter Celeste had been sick and vomiting, so instead of taking the girl to school Catherine brought the child to work. Catherine and Wesley both said they thought Celeste was sick from a stomach virus.

Authorities say Catherine reportedly passed several hospitals on the way back to their Elm Grove home. When she got home, Wesley and Catherine drove Celeste back to W. K. Pierremont where she was pronounced dead.

An autopsy of the child by the Bossier Parish Coroner showed she died from "blunt force trauma to her abdominal cavity."

In January 2012, Celeste's biological mother, Jamie Mercer, filed a lawsuit against Child Protective Services, the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office and the state's Attorney General. Wesley and Catherine Lowe are also named in the lawsuit.

Mercer believes her daughter was a victim of the child welfare system and Celeste's death should have been prevented.

I don't have anything else to lose," Mercer said. "I've lost my daughter. I've buried her. The only thing I can do now is make sure that her voice is heard."

Mercer's attorney, Charles Kincade, echoed his client's feelings.

"This case involves a multitude of errors and omissions. I mean this was a calamity. (There were) numerous errors."

Mercer is seeking monetary damages but says the purpose of the suit is to prevent a death like Celeste's from happening to another child.

© Copyright 2012 KSLA. All rights reserved.

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