Barbara Drinard Upshaw

Barbara Lee Drinard Upshaw, 96, peacefully passed away in Houston, Texas on January 13, 2021 with her children at her side. Barbara was born in Richmond, Virginia on May 5, 1924 to Leonora Myrtle Smith Drinard and James Elliott Drinard, an old Virginia family. A proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Barbara graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and attended the College of William and Mary majoring in art.

Barbara was part of the Greatest Generation and volunteered in the World War II efforts on the home front in Richmond. In 1943 she met a dashing Army officer, Lloyd Donald Upshaw, at a chaperoned event at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. After the war ended, they married on September 7, 1946 in Richmond, honeymooned at The Homestead and set off for their new life in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Barbara raised her children, Bruce and Pat, and after relocating to Houston embarked on a successful career as an Executive Assistant with the Associated Credit Bureaus, Inc. She had a strong belief in service to others and was a steadfast volunteer at Memorial Southwest Hospital retiring at the age of 87 after 20 years of service. Her love of art enriched her life and she produced many beautiful paintings. A highlight in her life was visiting the great art museums in London and Paris in her 80’s. She was painting weeks before her passing.

Barbara had a strong Christian faith as a member of both St. Phillip’s United Methodist Church and later St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. She was very active in the United Methodist Women’s Group and in the Prayer Ministry.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, her only sister, Norma Drinard Floyd, and her husband, Lloyd Donald Upshaw. She is survived by her son, Bruce Donald Upshaw (Nancy) of San Marcos, Texas and her daughter Pat Upshaw Hopkins of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by her grandsons Steve E. Upshaw (Dana), P. Kevin Upshaw (Shawna), Jeffrey B. Upshaw (Melissa), Christopher S. Upshaw (Megan) and Mark T. Hopkins. Her legacy further provides 11 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Barbara is further survived by family in Virginia and California.

Barbara’s family extends heartfelt appreciation to the staffs of Belmont Village – Hunters Creek and Crossroads Hospice for their kind, compassionate care.

A private, family memorial service will be held due to the pandemic.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks gifts in Barbara’s name be made to the USO, the Prayer Ministry at St. Phillip’s United Methodist Church in Houston or the Adult Caring Ministries at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Houston or to the charity of your choice.