On July 19, 2018, a precious angel Velani D'Landrea Upshaw, was born in Albany, Georgia.  She was the beloved daughter of Portia and Vondermere Upshaw.

Velani's life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched in some small way understood that the    quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives.  Her gentle smile and beautiful eyes    melted the hearts of those around, and brought joy and happiness to everyone in her midst.  Her brief time here on earth helped remind us that life is precious and should be celebrated.

Heaven's gain was our loss when Velani was called home to be with the Lord on November 6, 2019.  She was preceded in death by her brother, Vondemere Upshaw, Jr.; and paternal grandparents, Deloris Davis and Ulyssee Upshaw, Jr.  Although our hearts are saddened, we rejoice in knowing that "to be absent from the body is to be      present with the Lord."  (II Corinthians 5)

Precious memories will forever be cherished by her parents, Vondermere and Portia Upshaw; six siblings, Jy'Ryana Foster, Mesiyah Foster, Vontorya Upshaw, Valencea Upshaw, Javaar (Straighter) Williams, and Vontavious (Tay) Wilcox all of Albany, GA; grandparents, Sabrina Foster and Gary Foster of Albany, GA; great  grandparents; godparents, Mike Jones and Antellia Jones; aunts and uncles; one niece; and a host of   other relatives and family friends who loved her dearly.