Annie Edna Upchurch

Annie Edna Upchurch was born to Marvin and Mabel Andrews on March 10, 1920 in Asheville, N.C. She was called home to spend eternity with her Lord and Savior on June 7, 2012. Edna spent her early years in southern Florida where she lived through the Great Depression. It was there she met the love of her life, Bill Upchurch, and they married in 1939. They settled in Lake City, Florida where they raised three children, farmed many acres of land and were active members at Southside Baptist Church. After raising their children, they relocated to Haines City, Florida where they lived in their beloved yellow brick home and enjoyed their children and ever-growing number of grandchildren. In 1970, Bill and Edna returned to their home state of North Carolina. They made a new community of friends in Waynesville, where they worked hard on their mountain home and were active members in Lake Junaluska Baptist Church and later, Waynesville First Baptist Church. While in Waynesville, Bill became increasingly ill and Edna lovingly provided him comfort and care until he was called home to the Lord in 1987. Edna returned to Lake City in 2008 so she could be closer to her family where she once again joined Southside Baptist Church. She was a gifted cook and seamstress and had a plethora of other skills honed from many years of living and surviving on a farm, such as stringing tobacco and milking cows. She was also a gifted vocalist and pianist, dedicating those gifts to the glory of God. Edna had a heart for providing outreach and ministry to the elderly. She spent many hours visiting nursing homes and shut-ins. She used her God-given gift of providing comfort and peace to those who needed it most. Edna is preceded in death by her husband, he parents, five siblings, a granddaughter and a great grandson. She is survived by a son, Shelton Upchurch and wife Ili; and two daughters, Judy Huchingson and Linda Dilger. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Family will be welcoming friends at a visitation at Guerry Funeral Home at 2659 SW Main Boulevard in Lake City from 6-8pm on Friday, June 15. A memorial service will be held at 10am on Saturday, June 16, at Southside Baptist Church. Edna's favorite color was yellow. In honor of her love of all that represents, please consider wearing a touch of yellow to her service.

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