Obituary of Betty Jane Upchurch

Mrs. Betty Jane Wellborn Upchurch, age 82 of Hardin Road, Boone joined her Heavenly Father Thursday March 30, 2023, surrounded by her family. Born December 16, 1940, in Watauga County to Roy Lee and Sarah Ann Wellborn Graybeal. Betty was a graduate of Appalachian High School and Draughon's Business College in Winston-Salem. Betty can be described using three words; Strong, dedicated, and loving. A lady that loved her family fiercely. Betty worked hard to provide for her children and believed that love was a child's greatest need. Because of the love she bestowed on her children, her children poured love out to others. For this, she always said that her children were her greatest blessing. Betty's love and dedication was not just in her children. It spread through her work and in her church. In 2012, after dedicating 44 years of service to IRC, the plant was shut down and moved overseas. Betty was not ready to retire and with another grandchild on the way, she worked three days a week "loving" that child. Betty loved her church family at Laurel Springs Baptist Church where she was a long-time member and served as church treasurer, custodian, and taught Vacation Bible School. Betty was faithful to the church until her health prevented her from attending. In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death by one sister, Mildred Faye Hicks, two brothers, Wayne and Gary Graybeal; two brother-in laws, Franklin Hicks and Arvil Baker; three grandchildren, Troy and Melanie Carlton, and Logan Ballard. Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Kimberly Miller and husband Dink, of Boone, Sheri Guyton and husband Tony, of Asheville, Melissa Greene and husband Doug, of Wilkesboro, David Upchurch and wife Shannon, of Purlear, and Andrea Finney and husband Chris of Boone. Grandchildren: Nikki, Brittany, Gabriel, Alex, Aaron, Graci, Stacey, Marty, Sam, Nate, Andrew, and Phillip. Great grandchildren: Hazel, Amelia, Casey, Thomas, Lizzie, Tiana, Ella, Bristol, Lily, Faebian, Phoenix, Braelynn, Allena and Cora. Sisters, Donna Huffstetler and husband Gary, and Joyce Baker and brother RD Graybeal and wife Martha. Sister-in-laws: Linda Graybeal and Nina Graybeal. Several nieces and nephews who she loved as her own. Anyone that had the privilege to know Betty, knew that she had a God giving talent for baking. She never wasted her talent and used it to show her love and appreciation. With Betty's love, you were shown God's love. You never received a loaf of sour dough bread, a cake or her Christmas candies without hearing about the love and grace of her Savior Jesus Christ. Betty will be missed by all that loved her and was loved by her. Our minds are left with memories, and our hearts full of her love. We will never be able to express our gratitude to our sister, Melissa, for the extraordinary loving care you gave our mother, especially during these last five years. Debbie, Emily, Jennifer and Kyle with MediHome Health for the wonderful care you provided for our sweet Momma. To the team of Ashe Memorial Hospital, thank you for treating our mother with love, compassion, dignity and respect. We as a family are forever grateful. A celebration of life will be held Thursday April 6th at Laurel Springs Baptist Church. Family will receive friends from 1 until 2:00 pm prior to service. Service will be held at the church with burial following in the church cemetery. Flowers are appreciated or the family request memorials be made to the Laurel Springs Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Jerry South, PO Box 390, Deep Gap, NC 28618, or to MediHome Health & Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive Suite 100B, Boone, NC 28607. Online condolences may be shared at the website: www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com (1 John 3:18)" Let us not love in word or tongue, but in deed and in truth ". Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Upchurch family.