Obituary of Merline Upchurch

Merline Upchurch (nee Hocutt) Age 83. Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at Salem Village from terminal dementia as a result of Alzheimer's disease. Merline was born and raised on the family farm in Schlater, MS. As a young adult, she relocated to Illinois where she had resided the remainder of her life. She retired from Joliet Medical Group after 20 years of service as a collections manager. She enjoyed puzzles, bingo, roses in the garden, cooking, and cherished time with her family most of all. Merline married John L. Beckham, Sr., and he preceded her in death in 1957. She later married James H. Upchurch, and he preceded her in death in 1977. Her parents, Oscar (1954) and Bessie (1989) (nee Butler) Hocutt; one son, John "Sonny" Beckham (2009); one sister, Peggy Orman (2009); and an infant brother, Royce Edward (at birth) also preceded her. Survived by her children, Bob Beckham of Pittsburg, CA, Jack (Pat) Beckham of Schererville, IN, Wanda (Dan) Hennessy of Diamond, IL, Dianne Chisenall of Joliet, Barb (Roger) McDaniel of Crest Hill, Mike (Laura) Upchurch of Plainfield, Kaye (Larry) Ferguson of Lombard, and Tammy (Jeff) Maier of Shorewood; 17 grandchildren, Sarah, Alex, Andrew, Brian, Steven, Brandi, Ryan, Katie, Marshall, Becky, Marie, Nicole, Kathy, Barbara, John, Joshua, and James; numerous great-grandchildren; two sisters, Betty (late Stanley) Dulney of Joliet, and Clara (late Billy) Morris of Drew, MS; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services for Merline Upchurch will be Thursday, May 29, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. The Rev. Rebecca Love will officiate. Entombment will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Vitas Hospice, 600 Holiday Plaza Drive, Suite 200, Matteson, IL 60443 would be appreciated. Visitation Wednesday, 3-8 p.m., and Thursday, 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home. For information: 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com