BRENDA J. JACKSON-UPSHAW EAST CHICAGO, IN Brenda J. Jackson-Upshaw (nee Spann), age 63, of East Chicago, IN, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2008. Brenda was a 1962 graduate of East Chicago Roosevelt High School. In 1968, she earned an Associate degree in Medical Technology from Indiana University Northwest. She was employed as a medical technologist at St. Margaret Hospital. After 28 years of service, she retired in 1998. Brenda was a dedicated and faithful member of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church where she served in many capacities, including teaching Sunday School and singing in the Inspirational Choir. Most recently, she served as the Inspirational Choir president where her strong voice and loving spirit will be greatly missed. Brenda is survived by her sons: Randall (Allison) Butts of Chicago, IL and Keith R. (Patriece) Jackson of East Chicago, IN; daughter-in-law, Gloria Jean Upshaw; beloved grandchildren: Olivia Beatrice and Andrea Elizabeth Butts, Aaliyah, Assiah and Dion'dre Holston, and Malcom Harold Butts; brothers: Noah Atterson (Claudette) Spann, Jr., Sanford W. Spann, Sr. and Kirkston Dereck Spann I; and sister, Mary (James) Brokemond, all of East Chicago, IN; an aunt, Mary Strong of Chicago, IL; in-laws: Elizabeth Butts, Annie Mae Howard, Mary A. Ivey, Eddie (Sally) Upshaw, Mattie (Herbert) Wilson, Thomas Upshaw, Roosevelt (Sarah) Upshaw, and Clara (William) Walker; and a host of other relatives and friends. Brenda was preceded in death by her father and mother: Noah A. and Emma B. Spann; husband, Obie Upshaw; son, Leroy Butts, Jr.; sisters: Jessie Mae Spann and Vanessa K. Cook; and brothers: James Herbert Spann and Cedric K. Spann. Visitation will be held Friday, May 2, 2008 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. (family hour 6:00-8:00 p.m.) at the Antioch Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Antioch Baptist Church, 3902-06 Alexander Ave., East Chicago, IN. Hinton & Williams Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.