Josetta Upshaw was born on August 31, 1934 in Chicago. IL. To Joseph and Genella Upshaw who preceded her in death,.  Also, preceding her in death is daughter, Linda Upshaw, and Sister, Dereese Upshaw.

Josetta was raised in Chicago, Il and attended Chicago Public School System. She worked in the meat packing industry for 20 years before retiring.  She was best known for being a very stylish dresser and an extremely kind person.  After her retirement, she moved to Dallas, Texas in 2007 to be with family.

She leaves to cherish loving memories to six children; Marin Upshaw of Irving, Texas, Stanly Upshaw, Lonnell Upshaw, Rodney Nance, Kevin Upshaw all of Chicago, IL, and Brenda Upshaw of Arlington, Texas and one brother, Gerald Strickland (Phyllis) of Grand Prairie, Texas, one sister, Joan Johnson of Chicago, IL., a grandson, Quentin D. Upshaw of Chicago, IL whom she raised, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.