Avis Marion Upton

Avis Marion Upton was born January 29, 1959 in Norfolk County, VA. She was educated in the Chesapeake Public School System and graduated from Great Bridge High School in 1977. She attended Norfolk State University and majored in Computer Science where she graduated with high honors. She was also a long-standing member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

On May 28, 1985, Avis began her 40-year career at NASA working with Laurie Griffin in the Computer Software Branch on the Shuttle DataBank. The DataBank served as the central repository for all the Shuttle program’s Function Designators, which represented the commands and measurements for the Orbiters, External Tank, Solid Rocket Boosters, and all supporting ground systems. It was a critical component for compiling and executing both ground and flight software for the Shuttle program. Through her precision, integrity, and dedication, Avis ensured the validity of this essential resource. Her colleagues came to know her as the "DataBank Queen," a title that spoke not just to her expertise, but to the trust and admiration she earned. Avis continued her steadfast support of NASA’s data systems and the Shuttle Program for many years, right up to the retirement of the Shuttle in 2011.

With that chapter closed, she embraced a new role in the Surface Systems Office, where she continued to shine. One of Avis’s greatest strengths was her ability to take a vision and turn it into a clear, executable path. She had a rare talent for thinking through complex ideas and identifying practical solutions. She often placed herself in the shoes of researchers, fully understanding their goals and needs. Her insight and commitment proved vital to many of the experiments that have since made their way to the Moon. If there were questions to be answered or processes that needed clarification, Avis was the one people turned to. Her involvement in a project was a guarantee of quality, precision, and thoughtful execution. She was a cornerstone of reliability and excellence.

In addition to her many technical contributions, Avis served as the Technical Secretariat for the Safety and Health Review Board (SHRB). In this role, she helped guide the review and approval of essential work documents, ensuring safe and effective operations across the laboratories at Kennedy Space Center. Her diligence and care helped protect not only the mission, but the people behind it.

Avis was much more than a dedicated NASA team member. She was a mentor, a problem-solver and a caring colleague. We at NASA celebrate the legacy she leaves behind — in the systems she helped build, the missions she supported, and the lives she touched. Her knowledge shaped programs, her voice brought joy to the workplace, and her presence lifted those around her. Her laughter, wisdom, and unwavering commitment will be remembered always.

Avis enjoyed spending time with her “fur-babies”, Lily and Puddycat. She also enjoyed watching her favorite old cartoons and movies. Avis was extremely giving and generous, and it was shown by the numerous organizations and causes that she supported. Mercy Ships, several ministries and SPCA were just a few that she was passionate about and generously supported.

She was predeceased by her parents. She leaves to cherish her memories her sister, Dara Harper (Robert) of Portsmouth, VA; Meloney Urquhart of Richmond, VA; and Cassandra Miller (Barry), of Sicklerville, NJ. She also leaves her nieces and nephews Demetrice Urquhart of Franklin, VA; Uriah Miller of Sicklerville, NJ; Robert Harper, Jr. (VA); Robin Harper (VA); Renee Covington (Robert) (SC); David Harper (NC); Daniel Harper (Leslie) (MS); Tyrone Harper (NM); Roderick Harper (GA); Diana Harper (Johnny) (NC); Dawn Harper (SC); and Donald Harper (Robin) (SC). She leaves her special cousins, Shelby Johnson (Sharon), Bill Upton (Shirl), Emmanual Upton (Yvonne) and Paula Upton to treasure her memories as well. In addition, she leaves her Godsisters Andra Jackson (Rockledge, FL), Barbara Jackson and Godbrother, Bill Jackson (Rockledge, FL) and special nieces and nephews, Retinna, Brittany, Bethany, Brianna and William, along with a host of great-nieces and nephews.