Patricia Ann Upchurch, aged 77, passed away peacefully at home on May 26, 2024. Born on January 11, 1947, in Apopka, Florida, she was the daughter of Hayward Kirkland and Ruby Eleanor McCullars Carpenter. Ann grew up in Apopka where she eventually met and married Bobby Upchurch, the love of her life for 62 years. The two were married on December 23, 1962.
Alongside her beloved husband, Ann served as a pastor’s wife to congregations across Florida, North Carolina, and Mississippi during their 50-plus-year tenure of ministry. Ann served in her role faithfully, ministering to those around her, contributing to the kingdom of God, and impacting countless lives over the years. Among her acts of service, Ann invested ample time making peanut brittle and cooking chicken dinners to raise funds for the church, cleaning the church buildings and sanctuary, and teaching Sunday school. She had a heart for the children she taught, helping them make crafts and leading them in children’s choir. Ann also served in the church-based school and daycare she and her husband led at their church in Lakeland, Florida from 1978-1981.
Spending time with family, attending church when possible, shopping, listening to southern gospel music, and playing Tiddly Winks were among Ann’s favorite interests. Ann also had a green thumb, growing various plants and sharing them with her family and friends. She enjoyed singing in church throughout the years, especially with her husband and daughters. Ann made it a point to clean her home regularly, and if you stopped by her home for a visit, you would likely find her with a broom in her hand. In conversation, Ann loved to brag about her children and grandchildren, sharing their accomplishments with everyone who would listen.
Ann’s life was one of service – both to God and to those around her. She made it a point to put others’ needs above her own. Throughout the years, Ann enjoyed giving gifts to her loved ones for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. She also made sure to organize dinners and celebrations for church members’ birthdays. In Ann’s latter years, caring for her husband was among her highest priorities. She faithfully lived out her wedding vows, “in sickness and in health” and “’til death do us part,” lovingly remaining by her beloved husband’s side.
Patricia Ann Upchurch will be remembered as a devoted wife; dedicated saint of God; and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her selflessness, giving nature, and love for God and others will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.
Ann is survived by her husband of 62 years, Bobby Upchurch of Tupelo; three daughters: Becky Wittke (Tony) of Columbus, Robin Fritz (Frank) of Plantersville, and Lori Green of Tupelo; one sister: Vicky Hunt (Ron) of Tennessee; six grandchildren: Jonathan Wade (Laura) of Louisiana, Candace Wade (Steven) of Caledonia, Dillon Pittman (Katie) of Tupelo, Camey Ratliff (John) of Plantersville, Clay Green of Pontotoc, and Addie Green of Tupelo; seven great-grandchildren: Alexis (15), Mckynlee (11), Conner (7), Victoria (3), Jadyn (16), Livianna (3), and Ozzy (18 months). She is preceded in death by her parents: Hayward Kirkland, Ruby Eleanor Carpenter, and Dave Carpenter; and her brother: Chris Carpenter.
A Celebration of Life Service for Patricia will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, May 30, 2024 in the Sadie M. Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors in Tupelo with the Rev. Ricky Pierce officiating. Visitation will be from 12 PM to 2 PM on Thursday only at the funeral home. A private graveside service for the family will follow. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed at 2 PM on Thursday at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/live-streaming, where it will be archived afterward. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family.
Flowers may be delivered to the funeral home, or in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Mississippi Chapter, 855 S. Pear Orchard Rd. # 4, Ridgeland, MS 39157.
