Dorothy Gayenell Underwood

October 10, 1949 – May 4, 2025

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Dorothy Gayenell Underwood, lovingly known as Gaye, who departed this world on May 4, 2025, at the age of 75.

Born on October 10, 1949, to Barney Milton Prince and Inez Oneda Chandler, Gaye lived a life defined by love, resilience, and unwavering devotion to those around her. On December 18, 1964, she married the love of her life, Russell L. Underwood, in San Diego, California. Their enduring love and partnership spanned 55 beautiful years until Russell’s passing on December 11, 2019.

Gaye was preceded in death by her beloved parents and her cherished siblings: brothers Robert “RV,” Milton “PeeWee,” Walter “Dub,” and Jimmy; and sisters Bonnie “Sis,” Mary “Baby Doll,” Thelma, and Wilma.

She is survived by her devoted children: son Russell Underwood and his wife Jessica, and daughter Tina Gafford and her husband Chris. Gaye also leaves behind her loving sisters Linda, Donna (and husband James), and Nelda, as 5 grandchildren, Justin and wife Whitney, Brianna and husband Dusty, Russell and wife Kelli, Melissa and husband Brandon, and Jessica, and 11 great grandchildren-Sophia, Annabelle, Caston, Kadin, Shya, Everly, Bennett, Anthony, Natalie, Camilla, and Nester.

A dedicated registered nurse for over 30 years, Gaye touched countless lives with her gentle care and unwavering dedication. In her retirement, she found joy in creating diamond art with her sisters Donna and Nelda, and in the laughter and love of her great-grandchildren, who brought her endless delight.

A visitation for Dorothy will be held at 1pm on Friday, May 9, 2025 at Tyler memorial Funeral Home, located at 12053 State Hwy 64 in Tyler, Texas, followed by a celebration of Gaye’s life at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of a life so beautifully lived and a heart so deeply loved.