Barbara Mae Adkerson

Our beloved mother, Barbara Mae Underwood Adkerson—devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and mother-in-law—passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Summerset Senior Living in Lincoln, California, at the age of 96.

She was surrounded by her children and daughter in-law.

Barbara was born in Oroville, California, to Robert Leroy and Ruth Catherine (Smith) Grubbs. At age 12, she moved with her parents to Stockton, where she graduated from Stockton High School in 1946. It was there she met her future husband, Lon Kimball Underwood.

Barbara began nursing pre-courses at College of the Pacific, later shifting to business studies at Humphreys School of Business to prepare for her future family life.

She married Lon on July 27, 1947, and together they built a life rooted in love, community, and service.

Barbara was a dedicated mother to Jan, Lonnie, and Jamie, and an active member of every community she called home—from Concord to Oroville to Lincoln.

Her volunteer work included leadership roles in the PTA, Lioness Club, Job’s Daughters, Youth Homes, and multiple hospitals. She was known for her warmth, hospitality, and ability to bring people together.

After Lon’s passing in 1991, Barbara married Leonard Adkerson in 1998. They moved to Summerset Independent Living in Lincoln in 2021, where Barbara continued her legacy of service and connection.

Family

Barbara is survived by her three children and their families:

Jan and Michael Lopas

Joey Grist (predeceased): Kory, Kira

Jonathan Avery (predeceased)

Scott and Tamsen Avery: Novella, Valentina, Regan, Riley

Lon (Lonnie) and Shannon Underwood

Heather Russell: Jaymes, Logan

Melissa and Steve Hopper: Ava, Kenna, Jett

Valerie and Adrian Moeller: Vivian, Evelyn, Ross

Ross (Jamie) and Cindi Underwood

Christina and Brian Drever: Kimberly, Benjamin, Thomas

Katie Drever: Claire, Elle, Demi

Favorite Saying

“Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto

me.”

Favorite Songs

Sentimental Journey, In the Garden, On Eagles’ Wings (Saved

lovingly on her phone playlist)