Norma Upchurch

FARMINGTON Norma Jewel (Elders) Upchurch of Farmington passed from this life into glory on Sunday, July 22, 2018 at her daughters home in Collinsville, Illinois. She was born on January 23, 1930 to Tony Elbert and Gladys Jewel Elders when they lived in Esther, Missouri. Norma lived a good long life of 88 years. The Tony Elders family moved from Esther to White Springs in 1932 and back to Esther in 1934 where Norma attended the Cartee School through the eighth grade. She then attended Doe Run High School and later went on to receive her Associate of Arts degree at Mineral Area College. On January 26, 1948 Norma became the wife of Charley J. Upchurch who was at that time working on Ministerial Credentials with the Assemblies of God. After marrying they lived in Farmington before moving to their new pastorate at Davis Crossing, Missouri. As a couple they moved 20 times as they worked to establish five different churches in the Southern Missouri District of the Assemblies. Norma worked in various areas of the Church including music, Bible teaching and office work. She also worked in retail sales, as a substitute public schools teacher, and private piano teacher her great love of music and piano proficiency made her an awesome teacher of music. She influenced all her children and grandchildren in playing musical instruments and singing. She also greatly enjoyed collecting antiques. Norma was the second of the Elders children. They were Glenda Ruth, Norma Jewel, Ella Marie, Mary Louise, Elbert Ray and Charlotte Ann. Norma Jewel is survived by her two younger siblings, Elbert Ray Elders and Charlotte Ann (Elders) Tidwell. She and Charley had four children who have survived them, Carolyn Ruth (Upchurch) Chester, Janet Fay (Upchurch) Fihaki, Joyce Kay (Upchurch) Rogers and their only son, Mark Charley Upchurch. She has nine grandchildren and many great grandchildren all of whom she desired to follow her in her belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. Friends may call on Friday, July 27, 2018 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel with services beginning at 11 a.m. in the Cozean Chapel with Rev. Matthew Upchurch officiating. Interment will follow in Revelle Cemetery near Fredericktown. Memorials, if desired may be made to the ALS Society in are of the funeral home. View the online obituary and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are pending at this time. Sunday, July 22, 2018