Today, January 3, 2017, we released the hand of an Earth Angel. Our Mom, Fern Upshaw, joined her husband, her dad, her mother, and her daughter-in-law in Paradise.

Mom was the woman in our lives incapable of self-indulgence, self-pity, self-importance, or anything else that had to do with "self". She was a loving wife and mother. She was unwavering in her commitment to her family and God. She spent her 90 years on earth attempting to make everyone around her happy, comfortable and loved. She was the edification of love and commitment. She was the glue that held our family together. She had only one kind of love.unconditional.

Her children, Barry, Doug, and Marsha had the privilege of caring for her for the last two years after a disabling stroke. Her passing will leave a hole in our souls that will only be filled with the overflowing of love she left behind. In her last hours she had a personal bit of advice for each of us. Heaven is a brighter place tonight because of her presence. I once read in a book, "God is Love". I would add to this"My Mom is Love!" Save us a seat, Mama.

Preceding her in death were her parents: Commie and Marie Barrett, husband, Coy Upshaw, and loving daughter-in-law, Glenda Upshaw.

Left to cherish her memory are her 2 sons: Barry E. Upshaw of Spearsville and Douglas C. Upshaw and wife, Cheryl of Spearsville; her daughter, Marsha E. Blankenship & husband, Jerry of Newhope, AR; 8 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Friday, January 6th at Mt. Union Baptist Church in Spearsville and burial will follow in the church cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Farrar Funeral Home in Farmerville.

Visitation is 5-7pm Thursday at the church and again Friday from noon until time of service.