Jean Carolyn Upchurch

Jean Carolyn (Fortner) Upchurch, 84, of Scurry Texas went to be with the Lord on August 3, 2022. She was born on April 4, 1938 to Raymond Fortner & Malta Fortner (Ewing). Jean had a big heart, never meet a stranger, and was always ready and willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.  

Jean graduated from Scurry Rosser High School in 1956. That same year, she met and married the love of her life, James {Jim} Upchurch. They soon moved to Germany where Jim was stationed in the army. Their two daughters were born while in Germany. She also met her life-long friend, Myra Wimberly, whose family lived upstairs while also stationed in Germany. They have remained friends until her death.  Jean and her family returned to the United States in 1959. Through the years, she worked for Dallas Handbag, the Federal Reserve Bank, and Zales Corporation. Jean’s true passion was raising her three children and other neighborhood kids who always wanted to be at the Upchurch house in Pleasant Grove. Jean loved reading, playing cards, and dominoes. Jean’s favorite place to visit was Galveston, Texas, where the family took annual summer trips. Jean was able to visit Galveston one last time with her family this past June. She was also an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys.  

Jean is survived by her two daughters, Connie Lofland and husband Keith, and daughter Tina Golden, along with son, Gary Upchurch. Her grandchildren (who called her Mawmaw) are Kami Nelson and husband, Daryl. Jacob Lofland, Brandon Golden and wife, Emily, Kelli Golden-Powell and husband Kevin. Jason Upchurch and wife Jessica, Katie Duffy and husband Kyle. Great Grandchildren; Lexi Nelson, Avery Nelson, Levi Nelson, Addie Golden, Ella Golden, Brianna Upchurch and James Upchurch. Siblings and in-laws; brother, Raymond Fortner Jr, brother, Jackie Fortner and wife Ruth Ann, sister-in-law, Ellie Fortner, sister Doris Jo Shelley and husband Tommy, sister-in-law, Ruth Davies and husband Rob, and sister-in-law, Doris Eastep and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss her dearly.  

Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Jim Upchurch, mother, Malta Fortner {Ewing), father, Raymond Fortner, sister-in-law, Jerrie Fortner, brother, Ronnie Fortner, sister, Vickie Hamilton, brother-in-law, Thomas Hamilton, sister-in-law, Margie King, brother-in-law, Travis King, brother-in-law David Upchurch, and brother-in-law, Jackie Eastep.