Jackie Marlene Upton

Jackie Marlene Upton, 81, of Rutherfordton, passed away on the morning of Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Oak Grove Healthcare.

She was born on April 6, 1944 to the late Jack Matthew Upton and Aileene McKinney Upton. Jackie was known as a wonderful mother who loved her Lord with all her heart. She had a heart for animals, and she held a special place in her heart for her feline companion, Scarlet. Jackie, who was known to have never met a stranger, thoroughly enjoyed visiting with family and friends. She will be deeply missed.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three grandchildren, Jodi Nelon, Nathan Hipp, and Jonathon Ray Hipp; a daughter-in-law, Kathy Nelon; and her grandson’s wife, Heather Nelon.

She is survived by six children, Danny Nelon, Pastor Paul Nelon (Lisa), Mark Nelon (Donna), Tim Nelon, Alissa Hipp, and Brian Nelon (Lisa); two brothers, Stanley Upton (Deverne) and Charlie Upton (Crystal); nineteen grandchildren; and sixty-three great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Full Gospel Revival Church, 4799 US-64, in Rutherfordton. A funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. at Full Gospel Revival Church with Pastor Paul Nelon and Charlie Upton officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.