Monwella Upshaw

Mrs. Monwella "Muncie" Upshaw was born on July 15, 1937, in Gary, Indiana, to the union of
the late Charles and Bertha Lumpkin. As the baby girl of six siblings, she was cherished by her
family.
Muncie received her education through the Gary Community School Corporation and proudly
graduated from Gary Roosevelt High School in 1956. With a desire to continue learning, she
furthered her education at Ivy Tech College, where she was honored to be part of the first
graduating class of Operating Room Technicians in 1972.
At an early age, Mother Upshaw confessed her faith in Christ under the leadership of the late
E.B. Robinson of Calvary Baptist Institute Church. Later, she united with Deliverance Temple
C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of Bishop E. Bobby Warren, where she served faithfully on the
Mother's Board until her health began to decline. Her devotion to her faith was steadfast, and she
carried herself as a woman of grace, prayer, and service.
Mother Upshaw was a diligent and dedicated worker throughout her life. She was employed at
New Way Laundry and later served as an Operating Room Technician at St. Mary's Medical
Center, where she touched many lives with her skill, commitment, and compassion.
In 1960, she was united in holy matrimony with the late Harold Phillip Upshaw Sr. From this
blessed union, two sons were born.
On October 9, 2025, at 1:43 p.m., Mother Upshaw peacefully entered into eternal rest at Gary
Northlake Methodist Hospital.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Bertha Lumpkin; her devoted husband,
Harold P. Upshaw Sr.; her son, Harold P. Upshaw Jr.; granddaughter, Sharon Martin; great-
grandchildren, TyJiana Velez and Da'Zion Caine; brother, Jessie Bassett; and sisters, Phearlee
Bassett, Anna P. Dix, and Malcenia Parker.
She leaves to cherish her memory: sons Orlanda (Diane) Martin of Merrillville, IN; Renaldo
(Lisa) Upshaw of Minnesota; and Austin Winston of Gary, IN; daughters LaJuana "Punkin"
Bryant of Gary, IN; Shevaughnda Jelks of Atlanta, GA; Anita Winston; Joyce Winston; and
Renee Winston, all of Gary, IN. She is also survived by her brothers, Charles Lumpkin of
Tennessee and Orlanda Lumpkin of Merrillville, IN, and sister-in-law, Roberta Grimes of Gary,
IN.
Her love lives on through her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-
grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She was
especially blessed with three goddaughters: Gloria J. Graham, Shirley (Robert) Anderson, and
Yolanda (Derrick) Morris.
Mother Upshaw's circle of love extended to many dear friends, including Geradine Starks,
Mother Jessie Wynn, Eva Hammer, Ishia Robertson, Alice Nixon, and Catherine "Cat" Pittman.

Mother Monwella "Muncie" Upshaw's life was one of faith, devotion, and unconditional love.
Her legacy will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and her spirit will continue to
guide her family for generations to come.

Visitation:
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 - 9:00am-11:00am
Deliverance Temple COGIC 3476 Virginia St. Gary, IN 46409

Funeral Services:
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 - 11:00AM
Deliverance Temple COGIC 3476 Virginia St. Gary, IN 46409

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