Isaac Upshur, Jr.

Isaac “Ike” William Upshur was born June 3, 1939, to the late Isaac William Upshur Sr. and Josephine Beckett Upshur in Nassawadox, Virginia. Ike peacefully departed this life on October 8th, 2026.

During the early fifties, Ike and his family moved to Delaware. Ike graduated from his beloved William C. Jason High School. Upon graduating high school, Ike attended Delaware State College now Delaware State University. In his early years, Ike worked at local restaurants in Rehoboth Beach, accompanied his uncle collecting trash, and Doxsee Clam Factory.

In 1972, Ike relocated to Trenton, New Jersey, where he was employed by Federated Metals until he was offered a position at the car dealership, Patterson Chevrolet. While working at the dealership, Ike advanced to Mechanical Parts Counterman. In 1985, Ike became the first African American Counterman in the state of New Jersey. With his skills in customer service and sales, Ike was promoted to Lead Vehicle Counter Parts, a position he held until his retirement in 2005.

In the 1980’s, Ike joined the International Free and Accepted Modern Masons in New Jersey. His positions as Worshipful Master in the Blue House, High Priest in the Red House, Secretary in Knights Templar, Treasury in Shrine, and Grand Corresponding Secretary in the Grand Lodge.

In July of 2012, Ike returned home to Delaware where he took an active interest in his community. Ike served as the President of the Cool Spring Civic Association, a member of the NAACP, a Trustee at Friendship Baptist Church, and avid attendee of meetings at First State Community Action Agency. Ike took pride in serving his community, sharing black history, and encouraging fellow community members to take an active interest in politics and change. Additionally, Ike loved traveling and his CB, affectionately known as the Traveling Man.

In 1985, Ike met his loving wife, Valorie White. The two shared many memories, travelling the world and eating together. Ike was preceded in death by his wife Valorie, parents Isaac William Upshur Sr. and Josephine Beckett Upshur, son Isaac Downing, grandson Daniel Jones, sister Diane Showell, beloved grandmother Beatrice Beckett, and Uncle Thomas Beckett.

Ike is survived by his four sons Reginald Muhmmand (Annette) of Sicklerville NJ, William Woods of Wilmington DE, Jerimah Jones (Ardenia) of Trenton NJ; six daughters Cassandra Taylor of Gloucester City NJ, Ida Mae Upshur of Millsboro DE, Marcella Davis Scott (Wayne) of Milton DE, Regina Jenkins of Tampa FL, Darlene Leverette and Shateea Holt of Trenton NJ; sisters Rose Upshur of Trenton NJ, Karen Upshur of Seaford DE; brothers Micheal Upshur (Inez) of Milton DE, Terry Upshur (Wileen) of Milton DE, and a special nephew Anthony Upshur, Sr. (Stacy) of Seaford DE. Ike is also survived by one Aunt Magdalene Cox of Milton DE, godchildren Anthony Upshur Jr., of Milford DE, Chamyra Upshur of Bear DE, and I’nai Sterling of Milford, DE. Ike leaves to cherish his memories, twenty-seven grandchildren, forty-six great-grandchildren and eighteen great-great grandchildren, a host of family and friends.

We will forever cherish his smile, laughter, love, and presence.