Terrence J. Upchurch

Terrence Johnathan Alex Upchurch Sr., affectionately known as “Black,” passed away on February 8, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri. Born on June 2, 1974, in Chicago, Illinois, to Ms. Ozzie B. Upchurch, he was raised on the South Side of Chicago. He attended Gresham School of Excellence Elementary and later graduated from Calumet High School. In 1995, he relocated to Carbondale, Illinois, where he built a life surrounded by friends and community.

Black enjoyed eating good food and considered himself a food critic. He had a deep love for games and sports. He enjoyed playing basketball, could spend hours at the domino table, and practiced martial arts. He also had a passion for music, especially loud music—and was known for "disturbing the peace" with his booming speakers. A regular presence at the radio station, he cherished the time spent with Jermaine Pryor, whom he considered his brother.

A man of strong faith, Black was deeply devoted to the Messianic Hebrew Israelite beliefs and had a profound knowledge of the Bible.

However, his greatest passion was cutting hair. As a dedicated barber for over 15 years, he took immense pride in his craft and loved the camaraderie of the barbershop. Even when his health declined and he could no longer cut hair, he still found joy in being in the shop, simply spending time with the guys. He deeply respected Mr. Kent Mason, whom he looked up to as a father figure and mentor.

Black leaves behind his beloved children, Terron Dowell; Tareria Upchurch and Terrence Jonathan Alex Upchurch Jr., along with their mother, Rachel Janicke; two grandsons, Devin Clark Jr. and Daevion Upchurch; sister Cornelia Upchurch; his longtime friend, Jermaine Pryor Sr. and a host of other relatives and friends.

He will be fondly remembered by many close friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Albert ad Alice Upchurch and his mother, Ozzie B. Upchurch.

Final arrangements were lovingly entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois