Mrs. Marva Yvonne Upshaw, age 89, passed from this life on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at approximately 4:11 p.m.  at Lima Convalescent Home in Lima, Ohio.

She was born  on July 16, 1936  to Nathaniel L. and Corene (Cook) Bankston, Sr.   Both her parents preceded her in death.

On June 26, 1976 she was united in holy matrimony to Mr. James L. Upshaw, Sr., who preceded her in death on December 23, 2017.

She was a proud retiree of the Ford Motor Company and a graduate of Bible school, where she deepened her devotion to God. She was a member of the Eastern Star and a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

Marva found joy in the simple blessings of life.  She loved watching her favorite soap operas, reading the Bible, attending church, and when she was unable to go in person, she faithfully tuned into spiritual channels to worship and praise the Lord.  Her steadfast faith and kind spirit were an inspiration to all who knew her.  Marva carried love everywhere she went.  There always seemed to be a smile upon her face.  She shined with gladness.  Even in her darkest hours, being in her presence, you could see the spirit of God, when she laughed, when she prayed, even through her tears.  Everyone who entered her home for a visit, no matter how brief, everyone was treated like family.  She would busy herself making sure everyone was comfortable.  She was always a joy to be around and because of that love, we carry it in our hearts forever.  She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were touched by her warmth and devotion.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory a beloved granddaughter; Marva C. Stackhouse of Lima.  7 sons; William Cain, Jr. (LaJoyce) of Columbus, OH.  James L. Upshaw, Jr. (Ralphaelita) of Georgia, Arthur Upshaw (Diane) and Greg Upshaw both of Detroit, MI. Ronnie Upshaw (Jacqueline) of Louisville, KY, Ricardo Upshaw (Therese) of Atlanta, GA and Sherman Davis (Jill) of Columbus, OH.  A daughter; Tammie Mitchell (Gerald) of Georgia. 19 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.  A sister; Corene Velma Pernell.  A beloved niece; Nazolla Adams (James).  6 sisters-in-law; Bertha Allison of Chicago, Elizabeth Peterson and Shirley Upshaw both of Florida, Johnnie Upshaw, Clara Bankston and Peggy Bankston all of Lima.  A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death a daughter; Irvamae Upshaw.  6 sisters; Nathzolla Gurley, Elena Williams, Mattie Bankston, Rochelle Bankston, Hildegard Bankston and Olean Jenkins.  3 brothers; Corinth Bankston, Nathanial Bankston and Benjamin Bankston  7 brothers-in-law;  Luscious Upshaw, Sr., Frank Upshaw, Matthew Upshaw, Ralph Upshaw, Legusta Upshaw, Johnny L. Upshaw and Roosevelt Upshaw.

Services will be held Friday, October 10, 2025  at 12:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Jones-Clark Funeral Home, Inc. with Pastor Ronald Fails,  officiating.

Visitation/Wake will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025   at 10 :00 a.m. until time of services also at the funeral home.

Interment:  Woodlawn Cemetery

Services entrusted to: JONES-CLARK FUNERAL HOME, INC.

To order flowers and to offer condolences to the UPSHAW Family, visit www.jonesclarkfuneralhome.com