Helen Jeanette Prince Underwood was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday morning, October 20th, 2025. She died peacefully with her loving and devoted husband, Jim, by her side. Helen leaves a beautiful legacy of love and service to her Lord, her family and her fellow man.
Helen was born on April 12, 1928, in Harris County, Georgia to Robert H and Mary (Godfrey) Prince. She was a faithful member of Pine Grove Church, where she served in many areas, especially ministering to the youth, until she was called into full-time Christian service.
Helen graduated from Beulah High School and continued her education at Opelika Vocational School, earning an associate degree before attending Auburn University. She began her career at West Point Manufacturing in West Point, Georgia, working for many years as a secretary in the general office. In 1948, following God’s call, she moved to Mobile, Alabama, where she served as Christian Educational Director. In 1953, Helen relocated to Opelika, Alabama, and became Youth Director at Opelika Methodist Church. Later, in 1962, she moved to Huntsville, Alabama, where she served as Adult Director at Holmes Street United Methodist Church until her retirement in 1992. During her ministry, Helen was ordained as a Deaconess in the Methodist Church, a role she embraced with grace and dedication.
On Saturday July 26, 1980, Helen married James R. “Jim” Underwood at Holmes Street Methodist Church, and they began a wonderful and blessed life of love. When Jim first proposed marriage to Helen, her only question was “Do you love to travel”? and when he answered “yes” she acquiesced. For the next 45 years they lived a life of wedded joy, full of Christian service in their home church, family, travel throughout the world and innumerable friendships.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mary Prince, her brothers, Robert Wesley Prince (Mildred) and James Earl Prince (Mae Doris), and her sisters, Eloise Reed (Whit) and Yvonne Holmes (Harold).
She is survived by her loving husband, Jim; her brother, Albert Prince (Ann, deceased); sisters, Mary Ann Siggers (Jimmy) and Lois Wallace (Thomas); children, Jim Underwood, Jr. (Donna), Robert Underwood (Lisa), and Karen Bock (Jeff); grandchildren, Nichole Manning, Charlotte Watts, Christian Manning (Jessica), Ian Underwood (Melissa), Sarah Bock, and Samatha Bock; great-grandchildren, Addison Bond, Dallas Watts, Caffrey Watts, Russell Underwood, Miriam Watts, Ivy Lynne Underwood, and Eliza Underwood; and numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly as a second mother and grandmother. Helen was truly the glue that held her family together, offering unwavering love, wisdom, and faith.
Her life was a testament to service, compassion, and devotion to God and family. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the lives she touched and the legacy she leaves behind.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday October 24th at Holmes Street Methodist Church, Huntsville Alabama, with the Celebration of Life following at noon. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery, immediately following the service.
If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holmes Street Methodist Church.
