Johannah Wilson Upchurch, 81, of Edmonton, KY was born on June 17, 1943 in Liberty, KY, a daughter of the late Mitchell and Mary Nancy Wilson. She peacefully departed from this life, entering her eternal home with Jesus on Sunday, October 6, 2024. Johannah passed away at home, surrounded by her loving family.
On August 3, 1958 Johannah married the love of her life, Donald Upchurch, in a ceremony in Jellico, TN, where the Justice of the Peace famously officiated in his sock feet in his living room. This year, they celebrated 66 wonderful years of marriage. After a brief time living in Seymour, IN for work, they returned to Columbia, KY, eventually settling in Edmonton, KY where Johannah purchased a business. Throughout her life, she worked in various roles, mostly within family businesses, and ended her career working at Dr. Butch Rogers' chiropractic office in Columbia.
Johannah was a woman of many talents, most of which were self-taught. She was a gifted artist, known for her freehand watercolor paintings, and a skilled seamstress who often made decorations and clothing for her family. She was an amazing cook, particularly known for her famous red velvet cake. Johannah had a green thumb and took great joy in tending to her flower garden. She cherished the beauty of flowers and the birds that visited her garden.
A devout believer in Jesus Christ, Johannah spent her life reading the Bible, continuing to do so until the last few weeks of her life. Earlier, she was a dedicated member of the Eastern Star, where she served as conductress. She was also actively involved in the Columbia Homemakers, serving as president for several years. In her later years, Johannah and Donald enjoyed weekly visits to Esto Café and cherished quiet moments on the porch, watching the birds and squirrels. One of her dearest friends described her as a Proverbs 31 woman and that she was to all who knew her. To her family, she was the best wife, mom, and grandma, which was no doubt the greatest joy in her life. Donald was the apple of her eye and her favorite person on this earth. They were lovebirds until the end.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by one brother, Jason Wilson, her sister-in-law, Anita Upchurch, and her father-and mother-in-law, Delmer & Mabel Upchurch.
SURVIVORS:
Her beloved husband: Donald Upchurch of Edmonton, KY
3 sons: Danny Upchurch of Edmonton, KY, Mark (Charlotte) Upchurch of Columbia, KY, and Tim (Cathey) Upchurch of Sharpsburg, GA
1 daughter: Julie (Tim) Bright of Elizabethtown, KY
9 grandchildren: Jason (Tabitha) Upchurch of Mount Vernon, KY, Josh (Shannon) Upchurch of Milton, FL, Kris (Jordan) Upchurch of Horse Cave, KY, Kyle (Emily) Upchurch of Bixby, OK, Leslie (Logan) Callaway of Grantville, GA, Deanna (Justin) Keebler of Jonesboro, GA, Jessica (Andy) Kerr of Rineyville, KY, Karen (Chad) Upchurch of Bowling Green, KY, and Konnor (Erin) Duwe of Lexington, KY
18 great-grandchildren: Trent, Camdyn, Lila Jo, Gracie, Emma, Anniston, Gunnar, Harrison, Hudson, Grayson, Jackson, Holland, Remington, Jayma, August, Mason, Bailee, and Eden
3 step-great-grandchildren: Chloe, Lillian, and Bailey
2 sisters: Dorothy True of Hustonville, KY and Lana (Bug) Knight of Columbia, KY
Sister-in-law: Alice Hadley of Glensfork, KY
Brother-in-law: David (Susan) Upchurch
Numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a host of dear friends
Johanna’s legacy of love, faith and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to T.J. Samson Health and T.J. Samson Hospice for excellent care and compassion during this time.
Funeral Service: Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home
Burial: Haven Hill Cemetery
Visitation: Wednesday, October 9, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and Thursday until time for the funeral service
Casket Bearers: her grandsons
Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
