Obituary of Carolyn Elizabeth Upchurch

Carolyn Elizabeth Upchurch, 78, of Farmers Branch, TX, passed away on October 11, 2021 in Irving, TX. Carol was born in Dallas County to Virgie Elizabeth Smith and Gus Stavis Dorrell on July 15, 1943. Carol is survived by her daughter, Stacey Turner Counce with her husband David Counce of Farmers Branch. She is also survived by her younger brother Joe (Joey) Johnson, of Flower Mound as well as a very close nephew and niece; Donald Dorrell Jr with wife Annette and their son Austin from Little Elm and Rebecca Dorrell of Dallas. Carol was preceded in death by her parents Virgie Meadows and Gus Dorrell as well as brothers Roger Dorrell, Donald Dorrell and Ricky Johnson. Carol was also preceded in death by her first spouse Bobby Turner and her second spouse Jerry Upchurch. Carol always lived in the Dallas/North Texas area including much of her life in Irving, Farmers Branch, Lewisville, Sanger and Little Elm. She worked a variety of interesting jobs. Early in life she worked at The Penguin in Farmers Branch as a car hop and her last position was working at the Castle Hills community center where she enjoyed building friendships with local home owners for many years until poor health prevented her from continuing. Carol was always passionate about dogs and enjoyed the companionship of pets from childhood to late in life. One of her favorite dogs to spoil was a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Hanna who brought her great joy after she became widowed. At the holidays Carol enjoyed making wreaths and was known for cooking Lillian Turner’s cornbread dressing recipe at Thanksgiving. Her favorite fun activities all year round included watching movies and eating Snickers and Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with almonds. Carol’s favorite charities were focused on her love for dogs: Operation Kindness and SPCA of Texas. Carol would have welcomed memorial donations: https://www.operationkindness.org/make-a-memorial-gift/ or https://www.spca.org/waystogive The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the doctors and healthcare workers who helped Carol over many years with her chronic health issues which ultimately took her life. Carol will be cremated at her request and her family will plan a private celebration of her life.