Eva Janell Cooper Upchurch, 89

April 25, 1935 – August 5, 2024

Eva Janell Cooper Upchurch, 89, entered into her Heavenly Home on August 5, 2024, after departing this life surrounded by loved ones.

Funeral Services honoring Mrs. Eva’s life will be at 3 PM Wednesday August 7, 2024, at Souls Harbor Apostolic Church in Walnut, with Bro. Jesse Cutrer, and her son-in-law, Bro. Kelley Zellner officiating, along with family sharing personal reflections. Visitation will be from 1 PM until time of service on Wednesday August 7, 2024, at Souls Harbor Apostolic Church. Burial will follow in the Community Pentecostal Church Cemetery.

Born April 25, 1935, in Finger, Tennessee, Mrs. Eva was one of ten children born to the late Clay and Mildred Lovings Cooper. She received her education from the local public school system, while staying home to help look after her siblings. A homemaker, Mrs. Eva’s main goal was caring for others. She was a devoted wife to her late husband, Mr. Billy, and dedicated mother to her children, who focused all her time leading them by example.

A Christian, Mrs. Eva’s mission in life was guiding others to the Lord. She always looked forward to attending church, as she would go with her daughters to worship at both Souls Harbor Apostolic Church and Harvest Apostolic Church. Mrs. Eva was the matriarch of her family, as many memories revolved around her. From weekly shopping trips to Corinth, where she could spend hours in retail stores, scoping out the “good stuff”, to making calls to all the children and grandchildren for them to come over and help can vegetables, and shell peas. Her door was always open, offering a shoulder to cry on, words of advice, and willing to listen to problems anyone had, unless it involved her “eating choices”, because diabetic or not, Mrs. Eva was not drinking anything but Coca Cola.

Above all her family is what she was most proud of. Her home was filled with love, and a safe place for them. No matter where they went or who they were, they never doubted the love she had for them. Although we will miss her greatly, today Mrs. Eva’s life is a reflection showing us to be a light to others, love everyone, and let God shine through us always.

Those left to cherish her memories include two daughters, Diane Wilkins (Mark), and Particia Zellner (Kelley), two sons, Billy Upchurch Jr. (Jan), and Donald Upchurch, three sisters, Sue Thornton, Barbara Rich (Jimmy), and Carolyn Montgomery (Jeff), two brothers, Willian Cooper (Nilean), and Emmitt Cooper, seven grandchildren, Nathan Wilkins (Crystal), Rose Shepherd (Luke), Jason Wilkins, Joanna Moss (Eric), Adam Zellner, Amber Smith (Jacob), and Shonda Benton (Colby), fifteen great grandchildren, a special caregiver, who Mrs. Eva considered a daughter, Lois Watson (Gary), and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Billy Upchurch, she is also preceded in death by two sisters, Maxine Moss, and Margorie Barnes, and two brothers, J. T. Cooper, and Pat Cooper.

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mrs. Eva’s family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.