Nellie Kinzer Underwood Elder was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother during her extraordinary 90 years of life. She passed away peacefully on November 28, 2024.
Born in Columbia, Tennessee on September 7, 1934, to Walter and Margaret Kinzer, Nellie grew up in the Sawdust community, along with her three siblings. She attended Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church and graduated from Columbia Central. Marrying her high school sweetheart, James Edward Underwood, in 1953, they raised three sons and transitioned into the life of a pastor’s family as James Edward entered seminary and was ordained as a United Methodist minister. During these years, Nellie was active in each church and community where they served. After James Edward was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Nellie began working outside the home, in addition to being a caregiver for her husband and mom to three growing boys. After James’s death in 1981, and throughout her subsequent marriage to Jim Elder, Nellie retired and enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad, always documenting her trips to share with her ever-growing family. Nellie cared for Jim until his death in 2008.
Nellie is remembered by some as one they met when she worked at the United Methodist Board of Education, or perhaps when they were greeted by her friendly smile and conversation at Harpeth National Bank. For those who knew her best, they would describe her as a servant, a caregiver, a musician and someone who treasured her family – being actively involved in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She found tremendous joy in spending time at her childhood farmhouse and sharing memories and stories of her heritage. In later years, she began writing memoirs from her long and eventful life. Nellie’s legacy is one of sacrificial love and a devoted commitment to the Lord God. While she will be sorely missed, we rejoice that she is now sound of mind and strong of body. Nellie understood, and was confident, that the best was yet to come.
Nellie was predeceased by her spouses, James Edward Underwood and Jim Elder. She is survived by her children, James Edward “Ed” (Monica) Underwood Jr., David Marshall (Jackie) Underwood, Timothy Ray (Susan) Underwood, stepson Wade Elder, seven grandchildren, Allie (Cody) Wills, James Underwood, Jacob Underwood, Jeremiah (Heather Dunn) Underwood, James Levi (Yasmine) Underwood, Rachel (Drew) Simmons, Joshua (Mattie) Underwood, ten great grandchildren, and many loving Elder family members. She leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and long-time friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted 11:00 AM Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the Historic Epworth United Methodist Church, Kevin Wood and Joshua Underwood officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM prior to the service on Saturday at the church.
There will also be visitation 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Friday, December 13, 2024 at WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 615 794-2289
