Virginia Ann "Gigi" (Tippin) Upton

Virginia Ann “Gigi” Upton, 86, of Tecumseh, passed peacefully in her home on February 26, 2026.

Virginia was born July 29, 1939, to Howard Vern Tippin and Gertrude Anna (Smith) Tippin in Wetumka, where she was born and raised and attended Wetumka High School.

Following her marriage to Leland Upton, the couple made their home in Tecumseh, where they built a life together and remained throughout the years.

Virginia worked as a sales associate and was a familiar, friendly face to many in the community through her employment at Dollar General, Pratt’s Grocery, and in the material section at TG&Y. She took pride in her work and enjoyed serving others.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Virginia was passionate about her relationship with the Lord. She cherished her family above all, especially her beloved grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy.

Virginia found happiness in life’s simple blessings. She loved gardening and feeding her birds. From her kitchen window, she delighted in watching the wildlife that frequented her yard — foxes, raccoons, squirrels, and countless birds. Those quiet moments brought her peace and contentment.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Leland Upton; son, Patrick Upton; brothers, Bernie, Vernon and Everett Ray; sisters, Genevive and Genevia.

She is survived by her sons and daughter in laws, Jeff and Daphine Sparks, Wetumka, Oklahoma, Steve and Lynn Upton, St. Roberts Missouri; daughter in law, Linda Upton, Moore, Oklahoma and Tim Upton, Earlsboro, Oklahoma; sisters-in-law LaDonna King of Tecumseh, Oklahoma and Maggie Upton of Carmichael, California; her brothers- and sisters-in-law Larry and Lori Upton of Norman, Oklahoma; and Garry Upton and Rhonda Gwinn of Galveston, Texas, along with many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday March 4, 2026, at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Tecumseh, Oklahoma with Pastor Mack Peercy officiating, under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh, Oklahoma.

Virginia’s gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and love for her family will forever be remembered.