Phyllis Elizabeth Upchurch

Life began for Phyllis on January 3, 1942, in Huntington, Pennsylvania, where she was born but reared in Mount Union, PA. Phyllis was born to the union of the late Fletcher Morton and the late Elizabeth Chapman Hikmat. Phyllis graduated from the Captain Jack High School in Mount Union, Pennsylvania. She later went on to further her education at the American University of Washington, D.C.

In 1983, Phyllis was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, the late Alphonzo Upchurch. In 2004, Phyllis and Alphonzo relocated from Washington, D.C., to San Antonio, Texas, where they were truly amused by one another and the beautiful life that God blessed them to enjoy together.

Phyllis was a brilliant, strong, woman with a prominent career employed by Polyclinic Hospital, Blue Cross, TRW, The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, and Homeland Security, from where she retired.

Phyllis was a woman of many talents; she was very creative and freely shared her designs and gifts with others. She was an expert in interior and exterior design. Phyllis absolutely loved decorating at Christmas time, and she was an all-out design guru. For example, even with failing health, the exterior decor of her home was awarded third place in the 2022 Christmas community decor contest. Phyllis enjoyed making ceramics, scrapbooking, crafting, making custom items such as towels, t-shirts, and plates, and creating custom cards, just to name a few. She was an excellent cook. Phyllis enjoyed playing the game BUNCO and loved her gardening group. Phyllis was a social butterfly, and she loved to entertain. Phyllis loved her children, grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. She loved her family and friends in Pennsylvania. Phyllis also loved and adored all of her San Antonio, Texas, neighbors and friends, she truly appreciated them along with her entire San Antonio, Texas Community Family.

On Thursday, June 29, 2023, Phyllis, 81, transitioned from this life to eternal life in San Antonio, Texas hospital. We love her, and we miss her already.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Alphonzo Upchurch, her son; Keith Morton, her grandson Roger Cole and her step brother: Gregory Holmes.

Phyllis’ life and legacy will be cherished by her daughter Stephanie Frederick of Philadelphia, PA, her son Stephen Morton, Sr (and his companion / Ellen) Shippensburg, PA, her three grandsons: Eric Dayd, Stephen Jr (and his wife/LaChae) Morton, all of Harrisburg, PA, and Courtney Morton of York, PA, her great-grandchildren: Bryson Morton and Mason Morton both of Harrisburg, PA, three half-sisters: Cassandra King, Patricia Morton, both of Detroit, Michigan and JoAnn Morton of Atlanta, GA; Aunts: Jane Gaither and Juanita Morton, both of Harrisburg, PA; one uncle: Robert Morton of Lancaster, PA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Sorrowfully submitted by Phyllis’s family.

A celebration of life for Phyllis will be held Friday, July 21, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Sunset North Funeral Home, 910 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78232. A repass will follow at 4:30 PM at the Woods of Shavano Clubhouse, 13838 Parksite Woods, San Antonio, TX 78249.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetNorthFuneralHome.com for the Upchurch family.