Katherine Harrell Upchurch

Katherine Harrell Upchurch, age 90, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, died August 21, 2025, at Forest Manor Health and Rehab.
She was preceded in death by her parents, E. Frank Harrell and Lettie B. Harrell; and son, John Upchurch IV.
Survivors include her husband, John Upchurch III; and daughter, Mary Katherine Coulter of Erwin, Tn.
Katherine was born in Tuscaloosa and grew up in Peterson. Attended St. John Catholic School and graduated from Tuscaloosa High School in 1953 with academic honors. She attended the University of Alabama earning her B.S. and M.A. degrees and was a member of Alpha Xi Delta. She also attended Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY during the summer of 1961.
She was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church and spent countless hours performing volunteer work at the church during her high school and college years.
Katherine taught choral music and English at Tuscaloosa Jr. High School from 1960-1962 and later was employed for the Tuscaloosa County School System.
In 1971, she accepted the position of Director of Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church and worked in this position until 1981.
She was a charter board member of Meals on Wheels, a member of the Tuscaloosa Music Club, the Needlepoint Guild, the Alabama Music Teacher Association, and of P.E.O. Chapter I, as well as volunteering at local nursing homes presenting musical programs for residents.
Katherine was an accomplished seamstress and acquired an unusual talent for needlepoint creations and enjoyed sharing her finished works with her family and friends.
During her 30-year battle with ALS, she was a model of strength and courage smiling and greeting her family and acquaintances with words of kindness and appreciation. She will be remembered for her infectious and beautiful smile and her devotion to friends and family.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church Tuscaloosa with a visitation to follow.