1935
2017
Eleanor Flowers Upton was united with her Lord and Savior and reunited with her beloved husband in heaven on Sunday, June 11, 2017, following an unexpected illness. Eleanor was born to the late Hardie Allen Flowers and Lois Thorne Flowers on February 21, 1935 in Wake County. She resided in Red Oak and later Rocky Mount, where she met and married the late Robert McLean Upton, the love of her life, on May 21, 1955. Bob and Eleanor soon moved to Winston-Salem, where their daughter Barbara was born in 1958.
Eleanor spent most of her career in the hospitality and association management industry, forming Upton Associates, a meeting and association management firm, in 1976. Eleanor worked with Bob, Barbara, and later son-in-law Carlton Geiger, until she and Bob retired in 2012. Eleanor was a faithful long-time member of her beloved Christ Episcopal Church in Raleigh.
Eleanor is survived by her daughter, Barbara Upton Geiger, and son-in-law, Carlton, whom she loved as if he were her own, and their children Robert and Margaret; son, Mark Nelson, daughter-in-law, Angie, and their children Ryan and Stephen. Eleanor also leaves behind four loving siblings, Janie Williams (Jay), Barbara Taylor, Fred Flowers (Joan) and Steve Flowers (Kathy), and many other dear family members and a multitude of special friends.
There are not sufficient words to describe Eleanor's loving, caring, and giving spirit. Those whose lives she touched are better for having known her. She loved without abandon and that love was so graciously returned.
A service of Holy Eucharist will be held at Christ Episcopal Church on Thursday, June 15, 2017. A private interment of the ashes will be attended by the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 25759, Raleigh, NC 27611-5778 or the charity of one's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home.
June 21, 2017
Nancy Russell
Barbara was the most professional and efficient meeting planner with whom I have ever had the opportunity to work. Fortunately, she passed these talents on to Barbara with whom I also worked. Both had the ability to relieve my staff and me of stress associated with convention planning. More than once I told Eleanor that she was priceless to me. We created many special memories. I will miss her so very much. Nancy Raynor Russell
June 15, 2017
Barbara, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God continue to shower you with His many blessings during this time.
Alesia Hester, NCOEMS
June 15, 2017
Vince Jordan, NCOEMS
Sending condolences and thoughts to the family. May God continue to strengthen and comfort you during this time.
June 14, 2017
Pat Flowers Skinner
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June 14, 2017
Ella Smith
June 14, 2017
Ella
My heart goes out to the family your mother was a very nice Person I will all ways keep a special place in My heart for her Love you Barbara
June 14, 2017
Leah Killingsworth
Eleanor, you will truly be missed. Much love!
June 14, 2017
janie cobb
June 13, 2017
I remember Eleanor from my time at Koger Center. She was a loving and caring person and will be missed by all.
Donnie Jo Harb
June 13, 2017
Becky Flowers Scott
my sincere sympathy to all of my cousins and their families, love to all of you at this sad time
June 13, 2017
Jullie Campbell
What a light of joy! I can't believe this loss after visiting with you not too long ago Eleanor! You inspired me with your caring warm smile and friendly personality! You never treated anyone like a stranger! You will be sorely missed!! Thank you, god bless and please dance with your beloveded in the heavens. We'll be listening for the music. In deepest sympathy,
Jullie
June 12, 2017
Leigh Renn
One of the greatest loves of my life. Aunt Eleanor made me feel like the most special being in the world when I was with her. (I bet we all can say that.) Thankful for her love and influence in my life...And I will always think of her when my feet hit the sand and feel the ocean breezes. Will always love her.
June 12, 2017
J. B. Edwards
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of "Slim" the name I have always called Eleanor. We were neighbors in Winston-Salem in the late fifties. We kept in touch over all these years and remained best of friends. Our daughters were born just days apart. Surely will miss she and Bob. My sincere Sympathy to Barbara and family.
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