Obituary of Dixie Upchurch

July 13, 1922 - May 11, 2011 Dixie Jewel Reed was born in Wauseon, Ohio on July 13, 1922. She was the daughter of the late Solmon Christopher Reed and the late Lydia Lavina (Keirns) Reed. Dixie married James W.J. Upchurch on December 30, 1941 in Newberry, Michigan. She became a homemaker and took on the responsibility of raising the children. Dixie was best described as a homebody, but a wonderful mother and provider for her children. Being a homebody probably came from necessity of raising fourteen children. She loved to cook, and had spent many years preparing meals for the Monroe Senior Center and for Guy's Inn in Ottawa Lake, Michigan. Dixie Jewel Upchurch age 88 of St. Petersburg, Florida a long time former resident of Luna Pier and Temperance, Michigan passed away at her home at 8:35am, Wednesday, May 11, 2011. In addition to her parents, and her husband: James in 1997, her passing was preceded by a beloved son: Michael Upchurch. She leaves to forever cherish her memory thirteen children: Christopher (Vicki) Upchurch of Lawrenceville, GA, James (Lorraine) Upchurch of Erie, MI, William (Jolene) Upchurch of Erie, MI, Mary Ann Chapman of Erie, MI, Kenneth Upchurch of Erie, MI, Paul Upchurch of Erie, MI, Sandra (Robert) Murray of Coldwater, MI, Edna Upchurch of Monroe, Charles (Julie) Upchurch of Erie, MI, Christine Upchurch of Hudson, Florida, Thomas Upchurch of Erie, MI, Ronald Upchurch of Lambertville, MI, and Juanita (Jeffrey) Ingmire of Clearwater, Florida; thirty-two grandchildren; thirty-three great grandchildren; and 12 great-great grandchildren. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm, Wednesday, May 18, 2011 and from 12:00pm until 2:00pm on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at Merkle Funeral Service, 9156 Summit Street in Erie (734) 848-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 2:00pm with Reverend Tyson Nofzinger officiating. Procession will follow to Bedford Memorial Cemetery for burial. Memorial donations for those who desire are suggested to the Upchurch family. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or send a floral tribute by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Life Stories page.