With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Army Veteran and Mother, Carolyn Judawn Underwood, also known as Joy, Widow of the former Army Veteran, Sergeant First Class William Underwood. Surrounded by and in the arms of her two daughters and granddaughter, she passed away at Albemarle Health and Rehabilitation Center after a long, hard fight with cancer and other illnesses on 11 July 2024. She was 66 years old.

We celebrate her life as she now is out of pain and her blessed spirit is with God. Joy was a devout Christian and loved God more than life itself. She was generous, faithful to God, spiritual, choosing to be happy each and every day. She loved to hold Bible Studies in her home or at the churches, she loved to play the piano, sing, build tiny homes, plant gardens, yard work and one of her biggest hobbies was crocheting. She worked at a local farm and took pride in her work. She was always helping others and loved by many. She modeled a life of full devotion and commitment to God and will forever remain in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.

Joy is survived and will forever be adored, cherished and loved by: Son ~ Taureece Matthews; Daughter ~ Shantese J. Ratledge-Burrows; Daughter ~ Sherroda L. Griffin-Jackson; Son in Laws ~ Donnie E. Burrows and Travis Jackson; Granddaughters ~ Jazmyn and Chloe.

We give a special thanks to the Surgeons, Doctors and Nurses of the UVA hospital, the kind nurses and staff at the Albemarle Health and Rehabilitation Center.

~ God looked upon the earth and saw your tired face and all your hurt. He lifted you to rest. He saw that your road was getting rough, the hills that you were climbing were getting too steep and hard to climb, so He decided in all His grace and mercy to set you free. He closed your eyes as we held you in our arms, and whispered, “Joy, you have fought the good fight, you have finished the race and kept the faith ~ 2 Timothy 4:7.” It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone, parts of us went with you the day God called your spirit home. The world and our lives will never be the same without you, year to year and day to day. Your memory and love will forever be in our hearts and will never pass away. We will see you in heaven together someday.

~ In loving memory of Joy 1957- 2024

For more on services and to share your condolences, visit Hill and Wood Funeral Service.