Martha Underwood

Martha V. Underwood died Tuesday February 7, 2012 at the University Medical Center. Visitation will begin at 12 Noon on Friday February 10, 2012 followed by a 2:00 PM service all at Northminster Baptist Church. Committal services will follow in the Parkway Memorial Cemetery in Ridgeland.

Martha was born in Jackson the daughter of James Arthur and Helen Sanders Varnado. She was a graduate of Central High School and MSCW. After graduation from college she went to work in Jackson for the law firm of Flowers, Brown and Hester. Soon thereafter she met her husband, J. W. “Bill” Underwood and they were married May 16, 1943.

Martha was extremely active in many community and civic organizations including, but not limited to, the Jackson Symphony, the Mississippi Museum of Art and numerous luncheon, bridge and garden clubs. She was on the Board of Directors of the International Ballet Competition since its inception and she served as Hospitality Chairman for the first five competitions.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, James Varnado, and a sister, Betty Boyer. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, J.W. “Bill” Underwood, her son Tom Underwood and his wife Monica, a granddaughter, Dusty Reynolds and her husband Todd, three great grandchildren, Evans, Asher and Tully and her sister, Mary Felbinger and her husband Harvey.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions should be made to Northminster Baptist Church, for the Wider Net fund, 3955 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211 or the charity of your choice.