Overseer Marvin Lanorris Upson

Marvin LaNorris Upson, Greatest of all Time (“The GOAT”) was born July 26, 1952 to Willie Upson, Jr. and Lola Mae Johnson Upson in Jacksonville, Florida.

Elder Marvin devoted many years of his life to working alongside Andrew Joe Buggs in construction, where he served as a planner, designer, and skilled cement finisher. A thoughtful, passionate, and compassionate man of God, Overseer Upson faithfully walked the path of his calling. His spiritual journey was marked by progression and deep commitment-beginning as Brother Upson, then Deacon Upson, Minister Upson, Elder Upson, and ultimately, Overseer Upson.

God entrusted him with the sacred responsibility to lead In the Garden of Christ Ministries, the church he lovingly founded with his devoted wife, Bishop Sheila Thomas Upson. His foundation in faith was established early on at True Holiness Church, where he helped lead souls to Christ under the guidance of Elder Louise Watson. The Lord later led him to serve at Solid Rock Holiness Church, where he was appointed Chairman of the Deacons under the spiritual direction of Bishop John E. Shingles. He was then called to Miracle Deliverance Temple, where he continued his service under the leadership of Elder Mary Viola Stewart.

His final and most cherished assignment was at In the Garden of Christ Ministries, where he served faithfully as Founder, Shepherd, and Overseer—devoted to nurturing the spiritual growth of others and fulfilling God’s divine purpose for his life.

He was preceded in death; his father, Willie Upson, Jr.; his mother, Elder Lola Johnson Upson; his daughters, Wendy Elaine Upson and Minister Marvell Kelly; his brothers, Terry L. Upson and Gary Upson; granddaughter, Kenya Bright; and his great-grandson, Kansas Bright.

He leaves to mourn a wonderful and loving family – wife, Bishop Sheila Thomas Upson; children, Marvin Upson, Jr (Chanata), Serrenna Madison (Sydney), Mateen Davis (Felisha), Paulette Bright (Mark), Lanette Howard (Allen), Nannette Boddie (Cedrick), Tomeka Carter, Roshell Hoover, Ralaska Hoover, Reginald Wilson (Sandra), Raymond Hoover and Victor “Chris” Wilson (Ragina); brothers and sisters, Laronza Upson, Sr. (Gail), Brenda Upson, Lacinda Upson, Glenda Harris, Balinda Brown, Anthony Upson, Alvin Upson (Yvonne) and Cary Johnson (ToSonya); sisters-in-law, Susie Upson and Sheryln Ford-Upson; grandchildren, Marquisha, Marvin III, Chloe, Nykii, Albert, Hadassah, Amari, Aziyah, Lawanda, Kenneth, Kennard, Kyra, Akeba, Lawanda, Chaquita, Chris, Jr, Sapphire, Cyante, Myracle, Joy, Angel, Sidney Jr, Jasmine, Breeland, Jatoria, Re'gina, Maurice, Richard, Ri’Chard, Azariah, Xavier, Xylia Reginald, Jr., Reilly, Deven, Victoria, Layla, Sierra, Raynard, Rayniesha, Rayquan, Rayshan, Rayshard, Raynita, Reagan…more to come; great grandchildren,  Markell, Kimani, Joasiah, Xylar, Nova Rayna, Makiyah, Kaylani, Lyriq, Lykai, Kyaire, Jaazeel, Jru…more on the way; aunts, Bernice Boles, Annie Ruth Bryant, Louise Lawrence, Shirley Sullivan amd Rose Williams (Ronald); god-sister, Barbara Tremble (DeAryl); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends. 

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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