Mr. Ulysses Grant Upshaw, Sr.

Ohio- Mr. Ulysses Grant Upshaw Sr., affectionally known as “Grant, Mr. Grant, and Uncle Grant.” entered eternal rest at home with his wife, Mittie Ann, by his side on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at age 85 He was born in Charleston, Mississippi, on April 16, 1938, to the late Elnora (Foster) and Van Buren Upshaw. He was one of fifteen children. After leaving high school, he moved to Florida to work in agriculture. In the late 1950s, he took his skills and talents and relocated to Utica, NY, where he married the late former Mary Lee Clark in 1962. They were married for 34 years, and three children were born into this union. Ulysses Jr, Efrem W, and DeAnna R Upshaw. Grant worked in the maintenance department at the Children's Hospital, Bendix Manufacturing, Volkswagen, and Remington Arms. Grant combined his agricultural skills and what his mother taught him about cooking to transition his career to becoming a chef. He worked at Howard Johnsons and as a supervisor in the dietary department at Broadacres Skilled Nursing Facility. Grant desired to broaden the reach of his skills of serving others in culinary arts; with an Entrepreneurial mindset, he created two soul food restaurants; Grants Soul Food Café and James Street Luncheonette served customers with a smile and a song. He also catered at local venues. Grant and his late brother Lawrence (Larry) Upshaw Sr. became business partners, creating a vibration where people reminisce about their beautiful experiences presently. Besides cooking, he enjoyed westerns and cross-word puzzles. Grant was avid in singing; he traveled with bands and sang at venues such as weddings, churches, and lounges. Some of the musical influences that he sang their songs were Sam Cooke, John Lee Hooker, BB King, Robert Cray, and Roberta Flack. He enjoyed all genres of music. When it was someone’s birthday, he would call them up and sing his version of a birthday song; when Grant sang in the Gospel Spreaders church choir, he met his first wife, Mary. Grant was a sports fan of his favorite teams, the New York Yankees and Giants. He enjoyed watching them on TV and attending live games. Grant was an active deacon at St. Matthew’s Temple Church of God in Christ (COGIC), where he also sang in the choir until he relocated. He met Mitte Ann Willoughby through a mutual friend, and they married in 1997. They relocated to Ohio and lived there until his passing. They were married 26 years. Grant was also a deacon at Columbus Word of Life Ministries and Hoyt Street (COGIC). Grant leaves to continue his legacy with his beloved wife, Mittie Ann; his sons, Ulysses G (Kathy) Upshaw Jr. of Lee Center, NY; Retired Sgt Efrem W Upshaw of Utica, NY; his only daughter, DeAnna R Upshaw of Houston, TX; To cherish his memory, his brothers Isaiah Upshaw of Indiana, Charles Upshaw of Illinois; Samuel (Evangeline) Upshaw Sr; Lee O’Neil (Irene) Upshaw Sr, Elvin Upshaw; one sister, Lenora Gathering, all of Tennessee. Sisters-in-law: Janie Mae Clark of Florida, Lena Bell, Evelyn (Vincent) George of New York, and Janet (Orlando) Spry of Maryland. A host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Exceptional Relatives/Friends: Shirley Jackson, Deacon Henry Freeman, Robert & Debbie Maddox, Derrick George, and LaMont Curtis. Grant was preceded by his parents, his first wife, Mary Lee, and one bonus daughter, LaSandra Bivins, and two bonus sons, Gordon Paul and James Darryl Willoughby. his brothers: Van Buren, Lawrence, Robert, Deodos, Ozzie James Upshaw; sisters Lula Mae Blackburn, Anna Upshaw, and Mary Perkins; his in-laws, James and Clidie Clark; and his Brothers-in-law, William Bell and Arthur Clark. The family expresses its deepest gratitude and appreciation to Grant’s medical team at Fresenius Kidney Care and Mercy Health—St Joseph Warren Hospital. Thank you for the exceptional care and support you provided Grant throughout his medical journey. The professionalism and expertise displayed by the entire medical care team were exceptional. Your knowledge, skills, and attention to detail were evident in every aspect of his care. You not only treated his physical ailments but also provided support and comfort to our family during this challenging time. Calling hours are 11:00 am to 12:00 noon Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Hoyt Street Church of God in Christ, 789 Hoyt Street S.W., Warren, Ohio 44485, where services will follow at noon Wednesday, with Elder Cardell Clay officiating. All who knew and loved Grant are welcome to attend and celebrate his good life. Entombment will follow at Pineview Memorial Park. Arrangements are entrusted to Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, Ohio 44483, 330-394-6200. Dedicated To Serving Your Loved Ones. This obituary may be viewed, and condolences sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com

Mr. Ulysses Grant Upshaw, Sr.

April 16, 1938 - March 30, 2024