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Joyce Hager Obituary
Joyce Upchurch Hager September 12, 1937 - July 23, 2024
PLEASANTON, CA - Joyce Ellen Upchurch Hager, age 86, of Pleasanton, California, passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2024, after a courageous fight with Alzheimer's disease.
She was born in Duffield, Virginia, on September 12, 1937, to the late Isaac Newton Upchurch and Mabel Salley Upchurch Fulkerson.
She graduated from Blountville High School and studied art at East Tennessee State College. Joyce moved to California and lived in Marin County for many years, working as a successful realtor and then, as a receptionist. Joyce volunteered with the Special Olympics in Marin County and at the Margaret Todd Senior Center in Novato.
Joyce ("Moma," "Aunt," "Granmoma") enjoyed art, oil painting, travel, and having people over for a big meal. Most of all, Joyce loved spending good times with family and friends. Joyce was truly a force to be reckoned with and a bright spot in all of our lives.
Along with her parents, Joyce is preceded in death by her brother, James Upchurch, and stepmother, Charlsie Middleton Upchurch.
Those remaining to cherish her memory are her brother, Robert Upchurch, Sr; children, Claude (Lynn) Hager, III. and Elizabeth Hager (Steve) Green; grandchildren, Nicholas Green and Sarah Green; nephews, Robert (Valerie) Upchurch, Jr, and Russell Upchurch; and grandniece and grandnephew, Katy Upchurch (Vincent) Contreras and Kevin Upchurch.
A memorial will be held Sat 9/21/24 in San Rafael, CA. Please email [email protected] for details. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Doctors Without Borders.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Hager
Sponsored by Graham-Hitch Mortuary.
4 Entries
Mavis Marney
August 14, 2025
I was so sad to know that Joyce had made her transition and only hope she went peacefully. Her family and grandchildren were everything to her so I wasn't surprised when she moved from Marin to be closer to them down the peninsular. She was fun, great Tennessee accent, good humor and an all around good soul. May she rest in peace. Mavis Marney
Mavis Marney
July 20, 2025
I just discovered that Joyce made her transition last year and was so sorry that we had lost touch although now I realize why. Joyce, with her warm Tennessee accent, was funny, charming and I'm glad she had some time with Fred (10 years I believe) whom I introduced her to many years ago. God rest her soul and I'm sure her family that she loved so much, miss her. Rest in peace Joyce.
Loretta Poli
August 30, 2024
I was fortunate to have worked with Joyce when she volunteered her time at the Margaret Todd Senior Center. She was such a warm and caring person, with a cute sense of humor. I felt as though I had known her all my life. We all enjoyed hearing how she was going to go straight to Costco when she was finished working, and enjoy one of their hot dog lunches. Best deal in town, she'd say.
God Bless dear Joyce and may she rest in peace.
The Staff of Graham-Hitch Mortuary
August 21, 2024
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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