Mary Esther "Murphy" Austin Upton

Mary Esther "Murphy" Austin Upton was born in Monroe, LA on March 25, 1929. Mary was called home to be with her God in heaven July 14, 2018. She was proceeded in death by her husband Charles of 67 years; her father, Henry Austin; mother, Willie Mae Chandler Austin; sister, Ivey Lee Austin Stuckey; and step-mother, Ethel Schrieber Austin.

She is survived by two sons, Michael Upton, Monroe, and Jody Upton and Michelle, Weatherford, Texas; two daughters, Marilyn Upton, Monroe, and Angela Beck and Jim, Arkansas; also, seven grandchildren, Misty McDowell and Jay, Michigan, Anthony Upton and wife Kyra, Monroe, Caitlyn Upton, Michigan, Chandler Upton, Texas, Dakota and Mia McDowell, Michigan, and Nicholas Brown, Monroe.

She grew up during the depression years and learned to work hard and live within your means - traits she carried throughout her life. From early in life, she felt a need for God in her life as her Savior and at nine years old she joined the First Methodist Church of Monroe. At about 35 years of age, she became a Baptist with Faith Baptist Church for years and then a charter member of Forest Glade Baptist Church. Then later joined First Baptist Church Monroe. She and Charles enjoyed their Sunday School Class that he taught at McKeen Place, in their 70's and 80's.

Mary graduated from Ouachita Parish High School in 1946. She attended Northeast Junior College and worked at Montgomery Ward. She married the love of her life and college sweetheart, Charles Grady Upton, on September 5, 1948. They enjoyed 67 years together. She was a devoted wife and mother to her children, church children and school children, where she taught primary, juniors and youth for many years. She really enjoyed so many journeys with the youth to Buffalo River in Arkansas, her favorite camping spot and youth trips to Six Flags over Texas and Hot Springs, Arkansas. She had other special trips to the Smoky Mountains with her family and daughter Marilyn. She touched many young people’s lives at school and church. She also worked with band groups at Wossman High School and their road trips. She enjoyed every minute with her family, children and friends. She liked to travel and never got enough of seeing the mountains, rivers, hiking trails and would always say “God Blessed Me Again”.

In 1984 she was chosen Grandmother of the Year for the Itapla Chapter of the American Business Women for her community work. She felt very honored. She loved her God, her husband and children so very much and told them so often. Also loved her dogs, Susie and Buddy, and all her cats, which were many.

Services will be at 11:00 AM Wednesday, July 18, 2018, in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe, with Rev. Wesley Pittman officiating. Interment will be Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.

Any memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church Monroe or the Humane Society. Her last years were so lonesome without her dear husband Charles.

Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com

Mulhearn Funeral Home
Sterlington Road
Monroe, LA