Roslyn R. Upson

Born on August 17, 1964, in Red Bluff, California, Roslyn was the daughter of Felton Charles Elbert and Julia Mae (Major) Elbert. She was raised in San Jose, California, where she graduated from Yerba Buena High School in 1982. During her school years, she participated in drill team and played basketball, proudly wearing number 32. Though she enjoyed athletics, those who knew her best knew that music and dancing always held a special place in her heart.

After high school, Roslyn moved to Texas, where she married Duane Cedric Upson and began building their family. There they welcomed their son, Duane D'Chaze Upson, and daughter, Shevaleau Renee Upson, before returning to California, where their family grew with the birth of their youngest child, Ariel Le'Siere Upson.

Known affectionately as "Roz," Roslyn built an accomplished career in contract law. Beginning with Intel and continuing through several respected legal and technology organizations, she earned a reputation for excellence, integrity, dedication, and attention to detail. Her final professional home was ADLINK, where she served as a Senior Contract Law Paralegal. In 2020, she was proudly promoted to oversee both International and Domestic Legal Contracts, an achievement that brought her tremendous pride and joy.

Roslyn loved her work and took great pride in it. Family members often joked that she was always working, yet somehow, she still found time for the people she loved. Whether helping with a résumé, offering guidance, or advocating for family members with a little of her famous "legal magic," she was someone people could always count on.

Above all of her accomplishments, Roslyn was most proud of being a mother. Her children were her world. She lovingly referred to them as "The Power of 3"—Duane D'Chaze Upson, Shevaleau Renee Upson, and Ariel Le'Siere Upson. To Roslyn, they were her greatest achievement, her greatest source of pride, and the reason she worked so hard. The love she had for them was unwavering and unconditional.

Becoming Nana brought Roslyn a special joy. Birthdays and holidays often meant mountains of presents. Nothing made her happier than watching her grandchildren open each surprise. One of her favorite expressions was, "It's the Nana!"—a joyful announcement that always meant love, laughter, and usually more gifts than anyone expected.

Roslyn had a gift for making people feel special, and she loved bringing family together, whether through holiday meals, birthday celebrations, or annual traditions. She believed celebrations were meant to be memorable. One year, she rented an entire movie theater for her family. Some of her happiest moments were spent in the kitchen preparing food for the people she loved. She was known for her ham, baked beans, and potato salad, and she always made sure to keep hot links on hand for Kathleen.

Anyone who knew Roslyn remembers her bright smile, infectious laugh, and wonderfully goofy spirit. She loved the color green, smell goods and lotions, the beach, music, dancing, and spending time in nature. Whether she was doing the Electric Slide or her famous Rosie Bounce, complete with finger snaps and a smile, she had a gift for bringing joy wherever she went.

Throughout her life, Roslyn experienced both profound joys and heartbreaking losses. She was preceded in death by her parents, Felton Charles Elbert and Julia Mae (Major) Elbert. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Michael Anthony Carter. Though their absence was deeply felt, the love, lessons, and memories they shared remained close to her heart.

Her children, Duane D'Chaze Upson, Shevaleau Renee Upson, and Ariel Le'Siere Upson—whom she lovingly referred to as "The Power of 3"—carry forward her legacy, along with her grandchildren, Queen Azja-Milan D'Chaze Foster and Pierre Leon Dillingham.

Also mourning her loss are her siblings, Nasha Carter, Vasari Carter, Kathleen Elbert Whosendorfe, Julia Earl, and her baby sister, Elise Elbert; along with her brothers-in-law, Juan Whosendorfe and Marlin Earl.

Roslyn held a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews: Dajohn Ross, Kathleen Ross, Chanell Carter, Mercedes Martinez, Jazmine Carter, Vasari Carter II, Jajuan Earl, Alexis Carter, Taylor Earl, and Chinna Burns.

Her memory will continue to live on through her great-nieces and great-nephews, Tyler Finister, Mya Morgain, Leilani Small, extended family members, and many dear friends.

The world is a better place because she was in it, and her love will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.

Roslyn Upson Visitation will be held at Willow Glen Funeral Home, 1039 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125, US, on June 30, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.

Roslyn Upson Funeral Service will be held at Willow Glen Funeral Home, 1039 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125, US, on June 30, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.