Terry Upchurch

Terry Anne Volker Upchurch of Fort Smith died on Friday, November 15, 2024 at the age of 92. The family wishes to thank the teams of Heart of Hospice and Methodist Nursing Home where she spent her final months.

Born in Springfield, Missouri, in 1932, Terry moved to Fort Smith with her parents when she was in first grade. She attended Immaculate Conception School, followed by two years at St. Anne’s Academy before graduating in 1950 from Ladywood Catholic School for Girls in Indianapolis. She attended St. Mary of the Woods College in Terra Haute, Indiana, and Sophie Newcomb College in New Orleans before graduating from the University of Arkansas in 1953.

While Terry always wanted to be a movie star (wink), she treasured Fort Smith and spent many years volunteering to better our community. She was a charter member of RSVP, past president of Junior Civic League, volunteer with Cuban and Vietnamese refugees at Camp Chaffee, board member of the Community Clearing House, and for twenty-five years served in several capacities with River Valley Habitat for Humanity. She was also a teacher for several years at St. Boniface Catholic School and co-owner of a local business. Steadfast in her faith in Jesus Christ, she participated in Bible study for forty-five years, and created and coordinated an intercessory prayer ministry for over twenty years at Immaculate Conception Church. She enjoyed time spent with her friends made over a lifetime, especially the “Knit Wits,” and credits them with helping to shape the strong and funny woman that she was.

Terry’s greatest love was her family, including her cousins and beloved aunts and uncles, as well as her dogs. She passed on her faith and humor to her five children who survive her: Dr. Kuper Upchurch and wife Mary of Fort Gibson, OK; Cackie (Catherine) Upchurch most recently of Fort Smith; Andy and wife Bridget of Fort Smith; Amy King and husband Matt of Tulsa, OK; and Ben Upchurch and wife Susan of Fayetteville. Her ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren gave her great joy: Meredith (and Tony) Strickland and their children, Norah and Thomas; Adam Upchurch; Clare Upchurch; Jack Upchurch; Morgan King; Eric (and Kenzie) King and their son, Turner; Emily King; Kate Upchurch; Bennett Upchurch; and Maggie Upchurch.

Please join the family in both mourning Terry’s passing and celebrating her life: Visitation will be Thursday, November 21, 2024, from 5 – 6 PM At Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Vigil Service on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, beginning at 6:00 PM; Funeral Mass on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 1:00 PM, followed by a dessert buffet to honor a lady who knew that life is short, so eat dessert first!

Her family will bury her body at a later date in Springfield, MO, where she will join her parents, Frank and Catherine Terry Volker, and her brother Frank Jr., in the Volker family section of St. Mary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honor Terry Volker Upchurch, please consider a donation in her honor to Arkansas Valley Habitat for Humanity, 421 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901; Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 22 North 13th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901; or Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Barling, 1301 Frank Street, Barling, AR 72923.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.edwardsfuneralhome.com