Doris D. Upson

Reverend Doris Delores Upson was born October 20th, 1941, to the late Willie Engram and Elmira Horner in Washington, DC. She departed this life Sunday, February 5, 2023, to be with her Lord and Savior.

Doris accepted Christ at an early age at John S. Thomas Memorial Baptist 

Church in Washington, DC. She received an early education in DC Public Schools and went on to work as an Executive Administrator for DC Superior Courts, retiring after 20 years.

In the late 70s, the Upsons moved to King George, Va, where they joined Antioch Baptist Church. As a faithful member, Doris worked on numerous auxiliaries to include the Deaconess Board, Usher Board, Nurses Unit, and  Missionary Club among many others. She ended her spiritual walk in this life as Reverend Doris D. Upson.

Her loving spirit extended into the community as well. She was a member and Past Worthy Matron of Guiding Star Chapter 216 of the Eastern Star, PHA, and spent years rearing many of her family and community youth in the Pride of  Guiding Star Chapter 213 children's auxiliary. The Upson home was welcome to all; from DC go go bands, to Family and Friends Day, to home cooked meals,

Doris expressed her love and passion for people through her giving spirit and down to earth nature, earning her esteemed title, "Big Ma". She mentored many with wise counsel; Doris always had a word to let you know you were important and worthy. Her impeccable style, love of dancing, and tell-it-like-it-is countenance will be greatly missed.

Doris precedes in death: beloved husband, Darrell Wayne Upson; two daughters, Janice Engram and Doris Eubanks; and one son-in-law, Dennis Eubanks.

She leaves to cherish her memory: three daughters, Tonya Henry (Ernest), Denise Upson Williams (Earl), Tiffany Frye Dixon (Omar); three sons, Ricardo Upson, Tony Mims, and Marcus Wise (Lia); 13 grandchildren, Janice Newman 

(Jaquez), Taneka Upson, Latasha Upson, Deonte Upson, Julius Upson, Saaniya Frye McNeill, Emani Frye McNeill, Mehki Frye McNeill, Catlyn Howell, Caleb  Howell, Christian Mims, Alonzo Baylor, and Jonathan Boxley; 19 great-grandchildren; Christian godchildren, Wayne Stepney, Wesley Washington,  Chameka Ponder, Candice Ponder, and Maxine Darden; a very special niece/daughter, LaTeashea Lofties (Terin); a host of nieces and nephews, and  other extended godchildren, family and friends. She also leaves special friends Rev. Catherine Parker, Catherine Santos, Gwen Lewis, Marzette Pinder, Mary White, and Barbara Finks.