Mitzi S. (Upchurch) Yocum, 65, of Cookeville, passed away peacefully at home on September 14, surrounded by her loved ones.

Reflecting her mother’s joy of moving, Mitzi was raised across Algood, Cookeville, Donelson, and Monterey, Tennessee. She was a 1979 graduate of Monterey High School, where she fondly played basketball and was a Wildcat through and through. Later in life, she taught herself to play the guitar and loved sharing the joy of music with others. Recently, she spent her time enjoying local trivia nights with close friends and Friday night dinners with her children.

She is preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” E. Yocum; her parents, Joseph and Nora Jean Upchurch; her brother, Michael J. Upchurch; and an infant brother, Joel Randy Upchurch.

She is survived by her favorite son, Kellous “Kell” Yocum; her songbird daughter, Jenny Yocum Richards; her “golden child” son-in-law, Jimmy Richards; and her grandson, sidekick, and fellow rock collector, Cole Richards; Her brother, Marc Upchurch and wife, Teresa; Sister in law, Liz Upchurch; Nieces, nephew, a host of cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at The Venue Saturday, Sept. 19th from 11am to 2pm in Cookeville, TN. This will be a casual event for everyone to come at their leisure to celebrate Mitzi’s life.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Cookeville Regional Medical Center and Gentiva Hospice for their exceptional support and care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to their local food bank.

Jennings Funeral Homes of Jamestown is in charge of cremation services for Mitzi S. (Upchurch) Yocum of Cookeville, TN.

‘Til we meet again.