Othoniel Kirby Underwood, age 103, went home to be with the Lord, October 16, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, devotion, and loving care for her family and church.
Othoniel grew up in Ripley, Tennessee, and graduated from Ripley High School. She was a longtime member of Maranatha Baptist Church, where she taught the Ladies Bible Class. She and her husband, Ralph, shared a love of Scripture and memorized Bible verses through the Bible Memory Association program. They worked for the organization in St. Louis, Missouri, for many years before moving to Ringgold, Louisiana, where they cared for Miracle Camp and lived on the property for seven years.
A devoted wife and homemaker, Othoniel was also a talented seamstress who made clothes for her daughters. She was known for her wonderful cooking, especially the dishes she prepared for church gatherings—so beloved that everyone hurried to get a serving before it was gone.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Ralph Underwood; her parents, H.L. Kirby and Eva Roberts Kirby; her sister, Reba K. McMahon; her son, Gregory Ralph Underwood; grandsons Todd Johnson and Emil Petersen; and great-grandson David Underwood.
She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Johnnie Dean Petersen and Bonnie Sue Johnson (Ron); daughter-in-law Joan P. Underwood; grandsons Reed Johnson (Heather), Jared Underwood (Tracey), Jeremy Underwood (Jessica), and John Underwood (Emily); granddaughter Lise Newman; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held starting at 1 PM Tuesday at Garner Funeral Home in Ripley with graveside services to follow at 2 PM in Grace Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Maranatha Baptist Church, 52 Woodville Road, Ripley, Tennessee 38063.
