Mr. Jerry Lee Upshaw, 72, of Columbus, GA went home to be with the Lord Monday, August 7, 2023 in Columbus, GA.

Funeral service will be held 11:30 a.m. EST, Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Pastor Noble Williams, officiating. Interment to follow in Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. Visitation is Wednesday, August 16, 2023 from 12-5 p.m. EST.

Jerry L. Upshaw was born on December 4, 1950 in Columbus, Georgia to the late Deacon C.L Upshaw and the late Mary Lou Sumbry.

Jerry confessed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age and was a member of the Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He was ordained as a Deacon on February 10, 2002.

Jerry loved the Lord and the Word of God. One of his favorite scriptures was II Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land".

Jerry loved music and singing. He also played the saxophone. He had a passion for building and constructing. Jerry just enjoyed life: motorcycle riding, boating, traveling, dining, spending time with family and most of all worshipping & praising the Lord. He loved people (knew no stranger). He always enjoyed talking to people.

Jerry was a 1969 graduate of South Girard High School in Phenix City, AL. He served in the United States Army. He later attended Chattahoochee Valley Community College.

Jerry L. Upshaw was united in holy matrimony to Vivian Davis Battle on October 21, 2000. In January 2012 he retired from Interstate Brands (Dolly Madison) after 39½ years of service.

Deacon Jerry L. Upshaw is preceded in eternal rest by his parents; daughter, Ramonica Cook; three sisters, Lorita Upshaw, Doris Upshaw Epps, Minister Barbara Upshaw Harper; two brothers-in-law, Lester Harper, and Elijah E. Davis, Jr.; sister-in-law, Lyvonne Davis Pittman.

Those remaining to cherish his memories are his wife, Minister Vivian Davis Upshaw; son, Everett F. Upshaw, Sr. (Tonja) of Ft. Mitchell, AL; daughter, Terri Upshaw Donnelly (Dwayne) of Phenix City, AL and bonus daughter, Adina Mitchell of Tacoma, Washington; three sisters, Shirley Diane Lewis (Richard) of Kansas City, MO, Geraldine Upshaw Cason of Columbus, GA, and Deborah Long (Johnny) of Seale, AL; brothers-in-law, Victor J. Davis of Richmond, VA and Alfonzo Pittman of Rocky Mount, NC; sisters-in-law, Juanita Davis of Greensboro, NC and Verrenda Davis of Richmond, VA; grandchildren, Sydnei M. Cook, Everett F. Upshaw, Jr., Trinity J. Upshaw, Jaxon V. Upshaw; great granddaughter, Emora Upshaw; god children, Tamara Spates and Isaiah Spates; and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.