Lea Uptigrove
Lea Uptigrove, 90, of Sour Lake, died Saturday, June 17, 2023, at Dubuis Hospital, Beaumont. She was born on June 2, 1933, to Mary Cagnina Ienna and Frank Ienna, in Beaumont.
Lea and her husband, Rodney, moved to Sour Lake in 1972 from Lake Charles, Louisiana, with their family. They have been members of Our Lady of Victory Church for almost 41 years. Lea served as a Eucharistic Minister for shut-ins and was a member of the Ladies Altar Society.
In 1982, Ruby Capps, with the help of the Ministerial Alliance consisting of the Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, and the Christian churches, opened the Caring Christian Sharing Mission in the former Odd Fellows Lodge building on Fannin Street in Sour Lake. Lea was asked to become the volunteer director where she served for almost 40 years. In addition to her work with the mission, she also sponsored 22 Vietnamese refugees who became like part of the family.
In 1986, Lea was awarded as The Citizen of the Year for her work in the community by the City of Sour Lake.
In 2002, Lea received The Humanitarian of the Year award for exemplary service, work, leadership, and dedication in furthering the mission of Catholic Charities of the Dioceses of Beaumont.
Lee also wanted to ensure that those in need were able to provide their children with a good Christmas, so she founded a program called, “Christmas for Kids”. She worked with the local businesses to donate money yearly to allow her shop for children whose parents requested help.
Lea had a huge heart for anyone that had a need and would often say, “But for the grace of God, that could me”. One of her greatest joys was working with her church family to do the Saint Joseph Altar every year. She loved sharing the history of the altar and its purpose. She had a great impact on all who had the privilege of serving beside her.
Lea dearly loved her family, and her home was the center of all celebrations and holidays. Most of the pictures with her children and grandchildren were gathered around the table to enjoy a good meal together. She would pray daily for each one in the family and anyone else who had a need.
Lea was a great teacher, servant, friend, wife, and mother and will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Survivors include her husband, Rodney Uptigrove; daughter, Diane English and her husband, Butch, of Orange; sons, Barry Uptigrove and his wife, Rhonda, of Sour Lake and Arnold Uptigrove and his wife, Charlotte, of Kountze; daughter-in-law, Joanne Young of Sour Lake; grandsons, Jason Page and his wife, Christine, of Houston and Derek Young of Sour Lake; granddaughter, Alicia Wriston and her husband, James, of Orange; grandsons, Chris Uptigrove and Ryan Uptigrove, both of Kountze; great-granddaughters, Addison Wriston and Emily Wriston, both of Orange.
A gathering of Mrs. Uptigrove’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Monday, June 26, 2023, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 225 West Barkley, Sour Lake. Her cremation arrangements will be handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to Caring Christian Sharing Mission, P.O. Box 206, Sour Lake, Texas 77659.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- June 26, 2023
- 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Rosary
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- June 26, 2023
- 6:00 pm
Funeral Mass
Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
- 210, West Barkley Street, Sour Lake, Texas, 77659,
- June 27, 2023
- 10:00 am
Broussard’s Crematorium
- 5150, Stivers Dr, Beaumont, TX, 77705,
Barry, we are sorry for the loss of your sweet mother. I know she will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love y’all.
The Gregory family
Our sincerest condolences.we three have good memories of,”gramms” as her 1st born grandson and granddaughter (Eric & Megan Young) lovingly call Lea. We’ve thought & talked about Lea often. Good lady!! We are sad for you Rodney, Barry, Diane, Arnold and rest of clan. Eric Allen ,Megan Lea, ann
Mr Rodney, Arnold, Barry & Diane you and your families are in our prayers. Ms.Lea will be missed so much. Ms Lea and Mr Rodney have always treated my boys like they were one of their own grandchildren, and that means so much to me..We love and will miss you..
She was very special to me. I am sorry for your loss. Praying for you all.
What a special woman. She was always involved in parish work and activities. Always at daily and weekend Masses. Her prayers for other was a true gift. Her work with Christian Caring and Sharing was a blessing for so many in need. I will miss her. I have and will continue prayers for the repose of her soul, and prayers for the family.
There are so many special moments shared with Lea. As I reflect on her life, most of my memories are tied to her love of Christ, His mother and His church.
She is at rest in His arms. Love you, dear friend.
Prayers for Rodney and the family. She was a true gem.
What a great lady! Lea will be missed by all who knew her! Rodney and family I am praying for you and her entire family; such a sweet and caring Christian lady!
Dear Rodney and family
Rusty and I wanted to send our sincere condolences to the family. We are so sorry to hear of Lea’s passing. She was a wonderful sweet lady. I will always remember her sweet smile and her kind soft spoken voice.
I know you will miss her terribly.
Barry, I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I know you loved her very much. Peace to you old friend.
Dear Rodney, Barry & the whole Uptigrove family, We are so sorry for your loss of your wife/Mom. Our dad, Fred Culver, died the day before & we were so surprised to see her name listed. We have been thinking of you all & will continue to pray for peace & comfort for your family.
A beautiful and caring woman inside and out. She will be missed by all.
My sincere condolences for the loss of a dear woman. If she would’ve had a dollar for every hour spent volunteering as director of C.C.S. for so many years, she would’ve been a rich woman. She was selfless in the time she spent giving to those in need and will be truly missed by this community. You earned your angel wings, Lea.
Arnold it’s been a long time but I’m sorry for the passing of your mother, both of mine are gone now the pain will pass but the memories never will my prayers are with you and your family during the days ahead ????????
Losing a loved one is always a life changing experience. Memories can be both positive and negative. Focus on the positive and let God’s Spirit bring both comfort and peace.
Sincere condolences,
David and Donna Page
Rodney and family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Lea. She was a true Christian and will be missed by many. You and your family will be in my THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. RIP SWEET
LEA. ????????????