Jerry Wayne Underwood, lovingly known as “Poppa” by his grandkids, nieces and nephews, 70 years of age, transitioned to his eternal home on Friday, January 10, 2025. He was born the last child of 17, on December 12, 1954; in Harlan, KY 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 diehard fan of the Cleveland Browns. He had a love of motorcycles and was a member of the 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, Ohio, and his only daughter Elizabeth A. “Pie” Underwood of Akron, OH.; his grandchildren who 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 IL, and two sisters, Vivian E. McElroy of Struthers, OH, and Jacquetta A. Peoples of Youngstown, OH; one Aunt, Lula McClendon; two Uncles, Frank (Betty) Williams and Will Feagins all of Saginaw, Michigan; two nephews that was raised with him, Garland L. and Gary D. (Yvonne) Peterson of Columbus, Ohio; special cousin Elgertha (Alan) Rider of Yellow Springs, OH.; loving sisters-in-law, Mary Underwood of Jacksonville, FL, Verna Underwood of College Park, GA., Serecia J. and Rita Underwood, both of Youngstown, OH, Betty (Elder Melvin Howard) of Warren, OH, Janet Jones, of Alliance, OH, Debbie (Curtis) Jackson, of Alliance, OH.; brothers-in-law, Rev. Walter Hale of Youngstown, OH, Rev. Alton (Pam) of Warren, OH, Derryl (Elizabeth) Hogan of Alliance, OH, Kenneth (Paula) Merrell, of Akron OH.; godchild Essie Richard; foster daughters, Candyce Stephens, Tiana Denny, Miranda Dunham; extended daughters, Nikitta Smith, Naquesha Smith, Ashley Stovall, and Adrienne Dansby, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends to reflect on his loving impact.
He was proceeded in death by his parents; brothers, Bishop McKinley Jr., Bernard, Charles, James, and Frank E Underwood; Anna Pearl Johnson, Mary A. Brown, Bernice Owens, Bettie Hines, Doris E. Hale, Mabel Curry, Saundra Underwood; one brother-in-law: Ronald Hogan Sr.; two sisters-in-law, Cynthia Jones, and Willette Merrell.
He was loved by many far and near and will truly be missed!
Visitation will be Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 12 noon at the Mt. Calvary Pentecostal Church, 1812 Oak Hill Ave Youngstown, Ohio 44507. A celebration of life will follow at 12 noon.