Jerry W. Underwood 1954-2025

He was born the last child of 17, born on Dec. 12, 1954, in Harlan, Kentucky, to the late Bishop McKinley and Evangelist Essie Mae Feagins Underwood.

Jerry was a graduate of South High School, Class of 1974, where he played football. He later graduated from Mansfield Business College with a degree in accounting and also attended YSU, where he studied accounting as well.

He worked at American Steel as a chipper before he retired, served as the director of Bethany House and was also a Little League football coach for the Little Aviators in Alliance.

Jerry was a die-hard fan of the Cleveland Browns. He had a love of motorcycles and was a member of Brothers of the Hammer.

He leaves to continue his legacy, his loving wife, Audrey L. Merrell-Underwood of 46 years; sons, MacKenzie (Renee) C. Underwood and Jerry J. Underwood of Alliance; and his only daughter, Elizabeth A. “Pie” Underwood of Akron; his grandchildren whom he loved and loved him beyond measure, Ja’Veair Underwood, Islund Underwood, Rhiannon Underwood, twins Bryce Underwood and Breannah Underwood, Kayden Underwood, Andrew James Underwood, Audri’Anna Underwood, Elise Brogdon and Jerry Wayne Underwood Jr.

He also leaves three loving siblings, one brother, Norman D. Underwood of Champaign, Illinois, and two sisters, Vivian E. McElroy of Struthers and Jacquetta A. Peoples of Youngstown; one aunt, Lula McClendon; two uncles, Frank (Betty) Williams and Will Feagins, all of Saginaw, Michigan; two nephews who were raised with him, Garland L. and Gary D. (Yvonne) Peterson of Columbus; special cousin, Elgertha (Alan) Rider of Yellow Springs; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends to reflect on his loving impact. He was loved by many far and near and will truly be missed!

Visitation will be 11 a.m. until noon Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church. A celebration of life will follow at noon.

Loving and caring arrangements are by Sommerville Funeral Services, 330-836-2725.

(special notice)