Margaret Elizabeth Mae (Hilliard) Upchurch passed away May 30, 2012 at Briarcliff Health Center in Greenville. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday at Forest Park Cemetery with Rev. Chris Campbell officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home.
Born November 13, 1920, in Greenville, Margaret was the daughter of Addison James and Irene Octavia (Carden) Hilliard. In 1940, she married James J. Handley, Jr. who died in World War II. She married James Archie Upchurch on October 13, 1952, and he preceded her in death. Margaret graduated from East Texas State Teachers College and then taught home economics in public schools for several years. In the early 1950’s, she returned to Greenville to help manage Hilliard Florist which her mother had opened in 1939. She remained active there for over 50 years. She was the original charter member of Beta Sigma Phi in Greenville receiving the Diamond Circle Award and was a member of the Greenville Business and Professional Women. She was a member of the Texas State Florist Association where she served on the board. She also served on the board of Greenville Club Lake. She was a member of United Presbyterian Church (formerly Grace Presbyterian Church where she was active for many years).
Her survivors include her son James Handley and wife Pat of Campbell; step-daughter Paula Ladd; granddaughter Lynne Handley Divita and husband Paul of Rockwall; grandson James J. (Jeff) Handley IV and wife Alison of Greenville; great-grandchildren Tricia and Nicole Divita and J. J. Handley; brother A. J. Hilliard of Dallas; sisters-in-law Eleanna Venus and Margaret Malone; special cousins Mary Caldwell and Anne Jennings; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents, sister Billie Hockett and step-son Jimmy Upchurch.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Donna and the staff of Briarcliff and Heidi Kweller-Seale and the staff of Hospice Plus for their love and care.
