Joyce Underwood

Joyce Ann Underwood, age 79, of Knoxville, TN, born January 4, 1947, was called from labor to reward, Monday, March 23, 2026.

Joyce accepted the Lord as her Savior at an early age, uniting with First Calvary Baptist Church, where she attended Sunday School, was a member of the choir and the Pastor’s Aid Committee, under the leadership of Pastor C. W. Matthews. She later became a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and was a faithful member in the choir until her health challenges prevented her from continuing.

Receiving her education in the Knoxville City School System, Joyce graduated from Austin High School, Class of 1965.

Family was the center of Joyce Ann’s life. Affectionately known as Moma Joyce, she loved her family, no matter the distance. She took pride in taking care of her children, grandchildren, siblings and their families, and extended family. Moma Joyce was so proud of her family. She loved to cook for her family, and once a month, would have family gatherings.

Joyce retired from Allied Chemical. She loved children and decided to open a home daycare for over 20 years where she helped nourish and teach many children. She helped young mothers to raise their children, even at times keeping the children overnight in her home so the mothers could go to work. Following this, Joyce became a foster grandmother in Knox County Schools.

She is preceded in death by her great-grandmother, Mrs. Mary Bearden Clark; grandmother, Rosa “Moma Rose” Wilson; mother, Mrs. Mary Frances Dubose; uncles, Nathaniel and Eugene Underwood; aunt, Ruth Sharp; brothers, Charles E. Underwood and Michael L. Parker; daughter, Tammy Denise “Penny” Underwood; grandchildren, Joshua Eugene Underwood, Johnesha Mariah and Stefon Rashad Colquitt; nephew, James Smith; cousins whom she helped raise, Freddie, Nathaniel, Jr. and Cortez Underwood, and William Jones; and stepfather, John Henry Dubose.

Left to cherish her beautiful memories are: children, Sherri Lynn “Precious” (Richard) Yarbrough and Stephanie Elaine Underwood; very special grandson, Isaiah Nathan Underwood; great-grandson, Adonis Cortez Underwood; brothers, John L. (Kathy) and Ronnie E. (Sharonne) Underwood; sisters, Brenda R. Hackler and Linda M. Parker; sister-in-law, Sarah Lee Underwood; sister friends, Joyce McClellan and Jacquline McClellan (Underwood); devoted friend, Altomese Nolan; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family will receive friends on Monday, March 30, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the homegoing service to follow, at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 2504 Cecil Avenue, Elder Timothy Maddox, Sr., Pastor, Elder Joe B. Maddox, Eulogist. Interment at New Gray Cemetery. Arrangements by Jarnigan & Son Mortuary.