The beloved daughter of Cleva Upchurch and the late Willie Norvell Pickens-Upchurch entered eternal peace on December 31, 2022. Bulena Upchurch transitioned at Mercy Memorial Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK. She was born August 6, 1949, in Ardmore, OK. She attended Dunbar Elementary and Douglass High School until 1963 when the family moved to California. While in Ardmore, she was an active member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Pastor at the time was Rev. D.C. Hannah, later Rev. E.C. Beatty was the pastor.

While living in California, she lived in San Francisco and attended Benjamin Franklin Junior High School. Her family later moved to East Palo Alto, CA where she graduated from Ravenswood High School in 1967. During her days at Ravenswood, she made many new friends and participated in several school activities. One that she was extremely honored to be a part of was the 1965 Debutante Ball sponsored by a local club.

After graduation, Bulena worked at Kodak in Palo Alto, CA. Later she worked for the County of San Mateo. In 1968, she welcomed her only son, Shaun Miles. Bulena and some moved back to Oklahoma in the 1970's. She worked at various jobs until her health declined. Although, she no longer was able to work outside the home, she had an artistic passion which she pursued for several years. She also loved her old movies and many phone calls to family and friends.

Preceding her in death is her mom, Willie Norvell Upchurch and brother, Rodney Cleveland Upchurch.

Bulena is survived by her Dad, Cleva Upchurch; son, Shaun Miles; brothers, Wilbert Kenneth Upchurch, George Upchurch (Lynetta) and Gerald Upchurch; sisters, Alcina Lofties, Linda Parham, Beverly Osie, Cassandra Upchurch and Kendra Upchurch; grandchildren, Keionca Miles, Quartney Miles, Shaquez Miles, Shaunaqua Miles, Jaden Miles, Darius Clark and Jamal Clark; great grandchildren Kamiah Rose, Prince Lane, Ma'Kayla Miles, Ja'Ziah Miles, Dayshia Allen, Dayvien Allen, Brooklyn Farmer, Shaquez Miles Jr., Shaniya Miles and Kendal Lane.

A special thank you for all home providers, especially Cheryl Lynn, for their support to Bulena during her difficult times.