Julia Upchurch Alexander

1930 - 2023

Julia Upchurch Alexander
March 24, 1930 - April 21, 2023
Charlotte, North Carolina - Mrs. Julia Upchurch Alexander, a Charlotte native, died peacefully on April 21, 2023, at her home at Southminster Retirement Community.
Julia, born March 24, 1930, was the daughter of Pricilla Poteat and Charles Woodfin Upchurch. She was educated in Charlotte schools, attended St. Catherine's School in Richmond, Virginia and graduated in 1948 from Southern Seminary in Buena Vista, Virginia. In 1951, following her junior year at Queens College, she married Ralph Houston Alexander, Jr. After he completed his military service in the United States Air Force, they settled permanently in Charlotte where they raised three sons.
Julia served on various boards at her church, Myers Park Baptist. She was a former board member of Southminster Retirement Community and was a lifelong volunteer with Friendship Trays. She was a member of the Charlotte Junior League and for many years was a sales representative with W. A. Buening/Arzberger Engravers. Julia loved art, gardening, writing letters, calligraphy and, most of all, her family and friends.
Julia lived with a pulmonary condition known as Bronchiectasis for roughly the last thirty years. It was remarkable to those who knew her how courageous and diligent she was in dealing with this disease, all the while keeping such a positive attitude on life.
Julia was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Houston Alexander, Jr. and her brothers Charles Woodfin Upchurch, Jr., and Allen McNeill Upchurch.
Julia is survived by her sons Lex Alexander of Durham, Doug Alexander (Kathy) of Atlanta, and Chuck Alexander (Leslie) of Greensboro. She is also survived by her grandchildren Emily Alexander (Vernon Chatman), Gillian Alexander, Taylor Alexander (Caroline), Edward Alexander (Leigh), Charlie Alexander, and Avery Alexander as well as seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
A private memorial service will be held on May 6, 2023. Memorial contributions may be made to either: Wing Haven, 260 Ridgewood Ave., Charlotte, NC 28209, Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays, PO Box 680791, Charlotte, NC 28216, or Southminster Employee Assistance Fund, 8919 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210.