Georgia Carol (Cook) Upton

Georgia Carol Cook was born on February 22, 1943, as the first-born twin with George Bergan Cook. Their birth was a home birth that occurred on the family farm located in the Eleven-point community where the family lived at the time. They were devoted children of Ralph Lehman Cook and Monnie Lou (Armstrong) Cook from Dalton Community in Randolph County. Her gentle passing to her Heavenly home occurred on February 6, 2026, in Conway, Arkansas. She was surrounded by her loving family that have devoutly cared for her over the years.

She is predeceased by her parents, Ralph and Monnie, her darling older sister, Monta Jean Evans (Pete); her hero older brother, Ralph Jr. (Anna Lou), her best friend and twin brother, George, better known as Bergan; her dear baby brother, Jerry Neal (Emily); and infant brother.

She is survived by her solid rock for 64 years of her earthly life, her husband, her helpmate, her provider, the father to her children, the person she loved until death when they departed, Walter Edward Upton. The family they created Ralph E. Upton, Kelly D. Stewart (John “Mickey”), Brenda K. Strackbein (Steve), Sally M. Hoggard (Tracey), Susan D. Newman (Michael), and Jared K. Upton (Iris). Their grandchildren, Krista and Sarah Upton (Darrell), Lauren Melton (John), Jacob Stewart (Ashley), Holden and Seth Strackbein, Lori Stocks, Caleb Hoggard (Marcella). Their great-grandchildren, Jack Stewart, Ella Stewart, Avery Stewart, James Melton, Macie Melton, Kendall Upton (Makenzie), Klaytyn Upton (Payton), Khloe Upton, Evelynne Hoggard, Emma Hoggard, Emberlynne Hoggard. Great-great-grandchild, Katheryn Faye Upton. Her last sibling for which she adored, Sherrye Livingston (Robert). Her seven sisters-in-laws, Donnetta, Henretta (Chris), Deloris (Vernon), Kathryn, Claudia, Lavenia Rose (Wendall), Lora. Her brother-in-law, Wally (Barbara). Out of this group are many nieces and nephews. She was blessed to have many friends.

Mom was a child of God, Christ Follower. She was the ultimate mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She started her working life on the farm as a child, then a shoe factory, school secretary until her heart directed her to attend Petit Jean Vocational Technical School (now known as UACCM) in 1981 to become a licensed practical nurse. She began her nursing career at Conway Regional Medical Center. She was selected by Dr. Ronda Holland to work as her nurse as she opened her practice, Conway Children’s Clinic, from which mom retired in 1998. Mom was the most fabulous cook; her yeast breads were “to die for.” In her retirement years, she mastered her smoked meat skills. She could hand milk a cow in less than 10 minutes which was good since there was two to milk. With 5 gallons of milk each day, hand churned ice cream, buttermilk and butter were plentiful. She was a skilled seamstress, for which she made clothing for her children and home goods. She learned the art of quilting from her mother who was a master quilter that had her own article in Country America Magazine for her American flag quilt.

Mom and Dad loved their church family at Faith Baptist Church. We cherish the love given them over the 66 years they have lived in the Enola Community area. We, as a family, are overwhelmed by the love and devotion so many people have showed us these past several years as we cared for mom at home, you know who you are. One special adopted family member, Ms. Judy. Mom’s ladies from life touch that walked us through some hard times, Morgan, Bree, Hannah, Ramona, Trisha M., and Chaplin Reece. Grateful to Hight House for the care they provided in mom’s final days.

Memorials in Mom's name can be made to a charity of your choice.

A visitation celebrating Mom's life will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM with funeral services following at Smith Family Funeral Homes Conway Chapel. A graveside service will be held beginning at 2:00 PM at Crestlawn Memorial Park.