Jacqueline Ruth Slaughter Upshaw

Jackie was a beloved mother to two children, James F. Slaughter (Sheila); of Madison, Alabama, Cladise Slaughter King (K. B.) Birmingham, Alabama, five grandchildren; Antonio Slaughter (Shatavia), Kimberlee King Orr (Melvin), Dillan Slaughter (Caleiyah), Jasmine Slaughter, James F. Slaughter IV; four great grandchildren Antonio James Slaughter Jr., Grayson Clark Orr, Knox Clady Slaughter, Autumn Jamese Slaughter. Dear (grandchildren given name to her), passed away in Sterrett, Alabama surrounded by her children and grandchildren, leaving a void her family cannot fill.

She was born in York Alabama to Clady and Mary Williams. Her parents decided to move and make a home for her in Birmingham, Alabama; where she graduated from Holy Family High School and later moved to Atlanta, Georgia where she attended Morris Brown College. There she met James Slaughter and married, having two children. Missing home, Jackie moved back to Birmingham starting a new, where she met her forever husband Charlie Upshaw Jr. (deceased). Though having no children together, they embraced life until his passing. Jackie loved music, dancing, family and brought laughter to all she knew and loved. Jackie was famous for being the life of the party and constantly telling jokes to bring joy to any moment.

Words cannot express the emptiness that fills the hearts of those who loved and cared for her. Jackie was a member of Refuge Temple Church of God in Christ (Birmingham, Alabama). Jackie served on the Usher Board, Music Team, playing the piano by ear. Anytime the church called on her to serve; she humbly did what was asked of her.

WE ALREADY MISS YOU DEAR:

You were there when we took our first steps,

And went unsteadily across the floor.

You pushed and prodded: encouraged and guided,

Until our steps took us out the door...

You worry now “Are they ok?”

Is there more you could have done?

As we walk the paths of our unknown

You wonder “Where have my children gone?”

Where we are is where you have led us,

With your special love you showed us a way,

To believe in ourselves and the decisions we make.

Taking on the challenge of life day-to-day.

And where we go you can be sure,

In spirit you shall never be alone.

For where you are is what matters most to us,

Because to us that will always be home…