Martha Julia (Upchurch) Rone

Martha Julia (nee Upchurch) Rone, 88, of Senatobia, MS passed away to the loving arms of Jesus on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019. The Lord rejoices and the angels sing at her reception into heaven. She was joyously greeted by her parents, 3 brothers and her sister.

Visitations will be Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 5pm- 7pm at the Fellowship Hall of Senatobia First United Methodist Church and 2:30- 3:30 Wednesday, Feb. 13 at Pate-Jones Funeral Home is Senatobia. Graveside services and burial will follow at 3:30 at Bethesda Cemetery in Senatobia, with the Reverend Keith Keeton of First United Methodist Church officiating. Pallbearers are Mike Harthcock, Phillip Frazier, Bubba Terrel, Bill Wallace, Stan Holcomb and Jay Foster.

Martha was born in Lexington, MS to Walter Levi Upchurch and Edna (nee Adams) Upchurch on May 29, 1930.  She graduated from Lexington High School and immediately married her life-long love, L. George Rone on May 30, 1948. They celebrated 70 wonderful years of marriage. She worked as a clerk in the Tate County Agricultural and Stabilization Office for many years after her three daughters entered school.  Martha was known community wide for her seamstress and tailoring talents. She made all her daughters’ clothing from the time they were born until their college years and sewed for many in the area. In earlier years, Martha was an avid golfer and bridge player. But her favorite activity of all was working in her yard. She had a wonderful green-thumb and her back yard was carefully tended. But, oh, did she hate pine cones! They were the bane of her yard duties. Martha was a dedicated supporter of animals, giving freely to several animal protection groups. But most of all, she was the best wife, mother and grandmother (Grancie). She loved her family with all her heart and soul. She was happiest when the clan would gather at holiday times. She was generous to a fault. A great cook, her chicken and dumplings, fried pies and banana pudding were family favorites.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Senatobia.

Martha was a direct descendant of the first Upchurch immigrant (Michael) who arrived in America (Virginia) in 1654 from England. There are now more than 30,000 identified Upchurch descendants and allied relatives in the United States.

Martha is survived by her husband Loyd George Rone; daughters Sharon Rone Self (Johnny), Deborah Rone Nelson (Ed), and Glenda Rone Rhodes (Butch). She is also survived by her precious grandchildren Todd Rone Parker (Chelsea) and Tracie Parker Riley (Rodney) and great-grandchildren Landon Riley and Martha Chandler Riley. She is also survived by her brother Billy Adams Upchurch (Rowena) of Attala County. She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister Elsie U. Marks; her brothers Walter Levi Upchurch, Jr., Harold Lamar Upchurch, and Clarence (Sparky) Upchurch. She also leaves a large extended family of nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the nurses and staff of Senatobia Health and Rehabilitation for the attentive and loving care while she was in the facility and Dr. Forster Ruhl, her PC physician. We also thank Dr. Bill Alford and Jane Massey of Senatobia Dental Care for their loving help in caring for her dentistry needs due to the debilitating disease, Sjogren’s Syndrome.

Memorials may be given to Senatobia First United Methodist Church or the Tate County Animal Shelter.

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