Martha Harris Underhill, 89, died February 1, 2017 at 2:50 PM at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo, MS. She was born July 20, 1927, to George E. Harris and LaVelle Powell Harris in Plantersville, MS. She graduated valedictorian from Plantersville High School in 1944 and attended MSCW and MSU. She was a teacher at Plantersville before marrying Jeff Underhill on Dec 23, 1949 and moving to Jackson, MS. Her last job was area manager of the United Church directories.
Through the years, Martha served as president of Jackson-Hinds MSCW Alumnae Association, and was president of The Jackson Jaycettes. She received an award for outstanding president of the state in 1959. In 1960 she was selected as outstanding Jaycette in the state based on church and civic activities. She was active in the Order of the Eastern Star serving as Worthy Grand Matron, Grand Chaplain, and Grand Ruth.
Martha was a member of First United Methodist Church in Nettleton for over 30 years. She served her church as Lay Delegate to the annual conference for 11 years as well as serving on many committees. She was a past president of UMW, and also a member of Lively Hearts, Merry Makers (Harrisburg Baptist Church), and Christian Women’s Club.
A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, February 4, 2017, at 3 PM at First United Methodist Church, Nettleton, MS, with Reverend Cecil Locke and Tom Monts officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, February 4, 2017, from 1 PM until service time only. Holland funeral Directors, Tupelo Chapel is entrusted arrangements.
Survivors include one daughter, Georgia U. Grodowitz (Mike) of Vicksburg, MS. Four grandchildren, Jimmie Ann Thornton of Amory, Jeffrey Kent of Nettleton, Nathan Grodowitz (Megan) of Knoxville, TN, and Chara G. Dozier (Evan) of Austin, TX and five great grandchildren, one sister Margaret Ann Prentice (Skip) of Tupelo.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jeff J. Underhill, daughter, Janice U. Kent, and one brother, George E. Harris Jr.
Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Prentice, Steven Prentice, Evan Dozier, Ron Smith, Paul Harris, Ricky Joe Inmon, Craig Patterson, and the members of the Disciples Sunday School class.
Memorials may be made to Nettleton First United Methodist Church, 160 Verona Ave, Nettleton, MS 38858 or Sanctuary Hospice, P.O. 2177, Tupelo, MS 38803.
