Jan Underwood
JULY 25, 1951 ~ AUGUST 19, 2019 (AGE 68)
Jan Underwood of Clay, Alabama passed away peacefully on August 19, 2019, in the arms of her loving husband and surrounded by her family. She was born in Birmingham, Alabama on July 25, 1951. She graduated from Erwin High School in 1969 where she was a cheerleader and Dental Clinic Queen. In addition, Dusty and Jan were selected as best dressed in their Senior Class. She attended Auburn University and also Jefferson State Jr. College. On May 21, 1971, she married her childhood sweetheart Dusty Underwood. In her early years, she worked at Alabama Power, UAB Dental School and later was a part-time merchandiser with Bristol-Myers Squibb. She then became a full-time homemaker.
She is preceded in death by her father, D.C. Lee, mother, Lois Lee and adopted brother, Curtis Lee. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Dusty Underwood, Daughter Christie L. Harper (Tony), Son, Todd Underwood (Jacqueline), grandchildren, Cade, Maci and Hayden and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jan was an active member of First Baptist Church Trussville and had a strong and lasting Christian faith. She was always involved in planning and organizing social events for her Sunday School. She enjoyed volunteering for meals on wheels. Jan didn’t just worship on Sunday; she attended a weekly Bible study with her close friends and also started attending Wednesday services enjoying a good meal and fellowship.
Jan was always eager to help others. This past year, she volunteered to read to the third graders at Chalkville Elementary School and was looking forward to the new year. The kids loved her because she really paid attention to them.
Jan’s love of life was her grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with them during holidays, going to the lake, attending ball games and other school functions. She also loved to play her baby grand piano in addition to other activities such as working in the yard, taking care of her flowers and baking and cooking. Recently, she and Dusty have enjoyed hiking, traveling and just returned from a trip to San Francisco and Cruising the Caribbean. They just recently played in two out of state tennis tournaments in Destin and Hilton Head.
Jan was an avid tennis player and was one of the best tennis players in the State. She was on several teams that won state championships and sectional tournaments. She was selected to represent the State of Alabama in regional competition because of her talent and competitiveness.
In 2017 she was selected as “Alabama Lady Tennis Player of the Year” for her dedication, winning spirit and commitment to lady’s tennis.
A “Celebration of her Life” will be held at First Baptist Church of Trussville on August 25, 2019, at 4:00 PM with visitation from 2:00–4:00 PM. Graveside Services will be held at a different time for immediate family. I want to thank the First Responders with Center Point Fire District and the staff in the Palliative Care Unit at St. Vincent’s Birmingham. Flowers should be sent to Jefferson Memorial Gardens or donations in her honor to First Baptist Church of Trussville.
