Dwan Swindell Upchurch, 87, died on Dec. 8, 2017, in Elizabeth City. She was born to Guy Swindell and Alma Jefferson Swindell on Sept. 11, 1930, in Washington. She loved the banks of the Pamlico River with all her heart and was a true Beaufort County girl.

After graduation from Meredith College in Raleigh, she met and married Thomas Joseph Upchurch. They made their home in Raeford, North Carolina, where Dwan was a beloved seventh-grade Language Arts teacher for many years. After Joe’s death, she moved to Garner, where she made many new friends and enjoyed her bridge games at the Senior Center. She loved her Sunday School class, and she was a great student of the Bible.

In 2016, Dwan moved to Elizabeth City, where she made more good friends and received tender care at the Brookdale Community there. The family wishes to express deep gratitude to all the staff members who showed such amazing love to our mother.

She is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Dwan and Harry Turner and Missy and Richard Godfrey and by her five grandchildren, Michael (Kenza) Turner, Sarah Turner, Laura (Nate) Turner, Leah Godfrey and Mark Godfrey.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, at 2 p.m. at Raeford United Methodist Church, 308 N. Main St., Raeford. Pastor Susan Hobbs and Reverend Brian Wingo will officiate. Burial will be in the Raeford Cemetery. The family will receive friends after the service at the graveside.

Memorial contributions can be sent to Samaritan’s Purse at P.O. Box 3000, Boone, N.C. 28607 or to Garner United Methodist Church Heartful of Love Fund at 201 Methodist Drive, Garner, N.C. 27529.

Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com.