Gwenda Underwood

Gwenda C. Underwood, 79, of Lebanon, TN, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 30th, 2025. She was born on April 4th, 1946 in Booneville, Mississippi. When she was still an infant, her family moved to Mount Juliet, Tennessee, where she was raised and developed her deep-rooted love for family, community, and creating life long friendships. She loved being able to live for many years on the same street with her parents, siblings, children, nieces and nephews. She considered herself blessed to be surrounded with a large number of cousins, aunts, and uncles, where Thanksgiving dinners hosted upwards of 75 or more people.

A devoted mother to her two children, Tonya and Shane, she poured her heart into raising them with love and wisdom. Her warmth extended to her 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, who cherished her baking and unmistakable laugh. She was affectionately known as either Aunt Gwenda or Nana by many friends of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Though she was a stay-at-home mom for most of her children's youth, she later worked outside the home as a Wilson County Clerk, part-time postal route worker, and in the accounting department for Cumberland Swan in Smyrna, TN. She retired from work in order to care for her mother.

She found joy in daily devotionals, reading, walking, shopping, decorating, cooking, attending service and Sunday school at First Baptist Church (Mt. Juliet), and cheering on her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in any events.

Her light will shine forever in our hearts.

Gwenda is survived by her children, Tonya (Tim) Shoaf and Shane (Lisa) Underwood; her grandchildren, Matt (Bella) Bowers, Brett (Kenzie) Bowers, Alexis (Adam) Tullar, and Preston, Ethan, and Caleb Underwood. Her heart also opened to her step-granddaughter, Kelly Long, and she found delight in her great-grandchildren: Lakelyn Spencer, Blake Bowers, and Lorelei Tullar. Additionally, Gwenda held a special place in her heart for her step-grandchildren, Christian Long and Kayla Long, and the numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins who brightened her life.

She is preceded in death by her son, Raymon Wayne Underwood, and her parents, Wayne and Garmelia Crawford. Their memory remained a significant part of Gwenda's life, shaping her values and inspiring her warmth towards others.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 5th, at 2 P.M. at Bond Memorial Chapel conducted by Brother Billy Friel with internment to follow at Mount Juliet Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Preston, Ethan, and Caleb Underwood, Matt and Brett Bowers, and Adam Tullar. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10 A.M. until 2 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions in Gwenda Underwood’s name to Alive Hospice.

Gwenda Underwood’s memory will forever be etched in the hearts of all who knew her, and her spirit will continue to shine brightly through her family and friends.