James Dean Upshaw

Mr. James Dean Upshaw, 80 of Cartersville, Georgia passed away peacefully  on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at Cartersville Center for Nursing and Healing in Cartersville, Georgia. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 668 Burnt Hickory Road SE, Cartersville, Georgia 30120 . The body will lie in state in the church from 12:00 P.M. until the hour of service. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday, July 6, 2026 from 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at Mack Eppinger and Sons Funeral Home, 210 North Bartow Street, Cartersville, Georgia 30120. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this time of bereavement. This service will be LIVE-STREAMED.

On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, James Dean Upshaw peacefully answered the Master’s call and entered into his eternal Heavenly home. Though his earthly journey has come to an end, his life remains a beautiful testimony of unwavering faith, enduring love, and joyful praise.

James Dean, affectionately known as “Dean” by family and friends and "Dino” by his beloved grandchildren, was born on September 5, 1945, in Rydal, Georgia, to the late James Upshaw and Bertha Goodwin Upshaw. He was raised in a gifted family renowned throughout the community for their remarkable musical talents and heartfelt singing, a legacy that Dean proudly carried throughout his life.

During the late 1970s, Dean accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, beginning a lifelong walk of faith. He became a faithful and devoted member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where he served under the leadership of Reverend Baldwin. His steadfast commitment to God was evident not only in his worship but also in the way he lived each day—with humility, kindness, and a servant’s heart.

Dean was employed for many years with Clover Leaf Elementary School, where he faithfully served until his retirement in 2002. Known for his strong work ethic, warm spirit, and willingness to help others, he left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

In 1973, Dean met the love of his life, Emma Lois Bryant, and together they built a relationship rooted in love, friendship, and faith. Their love story culminated in Holy Matrimony in 1996, and from that day forward they became inseparable. It was often said that if you saw one, you saw both of them. Together they shared a beautiful ministry through music, founding the gospel singing group Children of God. They traveled throughout North Georgia lifting the name of Jesus through song and testimony.

Among the many songs Dean sang, “When the Gates Swing Open” became his signature song. Whether at church services, gospel programs, or homegoing celebrations, people eagerly requested that he sing this song. With his guitar in hand and his devoted wife by his side, Dean found his greatest joy in praising God, encouraging others, and sharing the Gospel through music.

Outside of his ministry, Dean enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He took great pride in maintaining his yard, spending countless hours cutting grass, tending to his gardens, repairing lawn mowers, and working on cars.

Dean was preceded in death by his loving parents, James and Bertha Upshaw; his siblings, Alice Summerize, Dorothy Williams, Sarah Brown, Cora Smith, Laura Webb, Martha Bonner, Leroy Upshaw, Vivian Fain and Betty Buffington; his beloved grandsons, Dany Fain and Tavarus McHenry; and his cherished godson, Avery Williams.

He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted and loving wife , Emma Lois Upshaw; his beloved daughters, Emma Peeks (Roy), Mary Fain, and Peggy Perry (Reggie); his treasured grandchildren, Sylvia Luster (Corey), Rachel Roberts (Thomas), Ruth Fain, Danny Fain, and Kandace Davis; seven adored great-grandchildren; two precious great-great-grandchildren; his loving

sister, Helen Duster; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends.

Although Dean has laid down the burdens of this life, the melody of his voice, the warmth of his smile, and the testimony of his faith will continue to echo in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His life reminds us that when we live for Christ, death is not goodbye—it is simply the moment when the gates swings open and we enter into eternal life.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."​

Condolences may be expressed at: www.mackeppingerfuneralhome.com

Mack Eppinger and Sons Funeral Service, Inc. are in charge of the arrangements.

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