Johannah (Wilson) Upchurch

Johannah Wilson Upchurch, 81, born on June 17, 1943, in Liberty, KY, peacefully departed from this life, entering her eternal home with Jesus on October 6, 2024. She 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 love birds until the end.

Johannah was preceded in death by her parents, Mitchell and Mary Nancy Wilson, her brother, Jason Wilson, her sister-in-law, Anita Upchurch, and her father-and mother-in-law, Delmer and Mabel Upchurch.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Donald Upchurch of Edmonton, KY; three sons, Danny Upchurch of Edmonton, KY, Mark (Charlotte) Upchurch of Columbia, KY, Tim (Cathey) Upchurch of Sharpsburg, GA; and one daughter, Julie (Tim) Bright of Elizabethtown, KY. She leaves behind nine 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, 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; and three step-great-grandchildren, Chloe, Lillian, and Bailey. She is also survived by two sisters, Dorothy True of Hustonville, KY, Lana (Bug) Knight of Columbia, KY; one sister-in-law, Alice Hadley of Glensfork, KY; and one brother-in-law, David (Susan) Upchurch. She leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a host of dear friends. Johannah’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 in Haven Hill Cemetery

Visitation on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and on Thursday until time for the funeral service at 1:00 P.M.

Casket Bearers will be the grandsons.

Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements

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