The Upchurch-Wise Family Reunion idea originated from a phone conversation between cousins Shirley Johnson (Elgin, IL) and Frances Ketchen (Boston, MA) that took place in 1982. In efforts to assemble a family tree, Shirley and Frances exchanged family data and history by phone and mail. When they had gone as far as their memory would allow, ideas waned and interest cooled. However, Frances never ever ceased to speak of having a family reunion and the importance of preserving our family heritage.

 

Little did Shirley and Frances know, that the compiling of family history into a little blue book in 1994 laid the foundation for family historians, Ruth Ketchen Jemison and Bridgette Renee’ Upchurch Lipscomb to carryout the search for our ancestors. The torch has been passed down and their efforts to preserve our history have sparked a passion to share the past, with our present and future generations.

 

The quest to organize the Upchurch-Wise Reunion began in the spring of 1985 with our cousin Myrna Wise (Atlanta, Ga). Myrna was very interested in preserving our family history and initiated the idea of having a reunion in her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. Myrna along with several family members in Atlanta, Ga. hosted our 1^st Annual Reunion in the yard of Edward Upchurch. In August of 1985, we greeted each other in a picnic style social setting where we enjoyed food and music as well as the fellowship of our kin. The weekend was a huge success where over 100 people passed through to participate in our kindred connection event.

 

In efforts to keep the momentum going, the family met and voted to have the reunion the same time, same place in 1986. The reunion took place, however; family participation had decreased. In the spirit of keeping our family connection alive, the family agreed to have the reunion again in two years. This attempt almost failed; however, Arthur Upchurch (Ocala, FL) took the lead and hosted our 3^rd Upchurch –Wise Family Reunion in Atlanta, Ga. in 1988. Arthur secured a hotel in downtown Atlanta and invited all to be his guest if they were unable to pay. The event was held in a more formal setting. Everyone enjoyed themselves and it was counted as another successful reunion. The family again decided to vote to have another reunion in two more years. 

 

In 1990, the 4^th Upchurch-Wise Family Reunion took place at the Holiday Inn in downtown Atlanta. There was a turnout of about eighty family members. An invitation was extended to another branch of our family the Turner Family to meet with us that year.

 

In 1991, the 5^th Upchurch-Wise Family Reunion was held in Atlanta, Ga. at the Hyatt Regency. We entertained approximately seventy family members. Each time the numbers seemed to remain the same, however we always managed to meet a few new family members each year.

 

It is now our goal to bring together the descendants of Isaac Greer-Upchurch and Henry Wise, so that we can continue the family tradition that was started so many years ago by our love ones! With the passing of the majority of our 5^th generation Upchurch children, it is important that we continue making an effort of keeping the family together and our dream alive. By passing the touch and preserving our legacy our children will know who we are for many generations to come. God Bless! 

 

1985 - Atlanta, Georgia

1986 - Atlanta, Georgia

1988 - Atlanta, Georgia

1990 - Atlanta, Georgia

1991 - Atlanta, Georgia

1993 - Ocala, Florida
1994 - Boston, Massachusetts
1995 - Atlanta, Georgia
1996 - Washington, DC

1998 - Cleveland, Ohio

1999 - Silver Springs, Maryland

2000 - Boston, Massachusetts

2002 - Atlanta, Georgia

2003 - Houston, Texas

2004 - Rockville, Maryland

2006 - San Antonio, Texas

2007 - Cleveland, Ohio

2009 - Boston, Massachusetts

 

Myrna Wise- President

Laverne Smith- Secretary

Treasurer- John Henry Upchurch-Wise

Co-Treasurers- Nellie Upchurch Jackson, Mary Upchurch Thompson