Pearl Louise Cooper Underwood passed away peacefully in her home on February 4 surrounded by family.

She was preceded in death by her adoring husband Fred N. Underwood, Jr. who passed away on October 20, 2022, and to whom she was married for 66 years. Also preceding her in death were sisters Annabelle Cooper, Dorothy Grace Cooper, and Johnny Sue Cooper Cleaver and her granddaughter, Catherine Isabella Underwood.

Louise was born and raised in Missouri and graduated from Macon County High School where her mother was the school superintendent and her father worked for the Railway Express Agency. After graduating from high school she was accepted into the nursing program at the prestigious Washington University in St. Louis, MO. After receiving her BS in nursing, Lou worked at Barnes-Jewish Hospital ranked the #11 hospital in the United States. At BJH Louise met a young resident Dr. Charles R. Underwood who introduced her to his brother who was in architecture school at API in Auburn, AL. After a couple of years of dating, Fred graduated and got a job in Florence, AL, and proposed. In March of 1955, Louise married Fred and moved to Alabama.

First living in Tuscumbia, AL, Lou joined private medical practice as a nurse while Fred worked as a draftsman for Barr & Tune Associates Architecture firm. In October of 1957, their first child Julia Ann was born, followed by Lisa Douglas and Mary Bess. Louise and Fred moved to Decatur, AL in 1962 where their son John Fredrick was born.  Louise had a very busy life in Decatur both socially and civically. While she was active in her children's lives and involved in PTA and classroom events, she was also a part of many groups and organizations at First United Methodist Church for over 50 years. She is a proud founding member of Decatur Methodist Church. Louise cherished her Bridge Club with whom she continued to share fun times and memories for more than 50 years.

Fred and Lou were partners in their support of the community.  Lou was honored to be selected as a Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow. Lou was very active and was a traveling member of a ladies' tennis league for many years.  Lou herself was also a founding board member of the Neighborhood Christian Center and was an active supporter for many years. Lou's dear friend, and Bridge Club member, Battle Hamilton was her partner while they volunteered for Meals On Wheels and were subsequently honored as the Decatur Volunteers of the Year after faithfully delivering meals every Monday for more than 30 years. As an accomplished seamstress, Lou was always interested in fashion and was a founding partner in Decatur's first Carlisle Collection agency where she worked for 10 years. Lou also enjoyed Community Bible Study for many years.

Louise is survived by her daughter Julia Ann Underwood DeMoss (Robert), Lisa Douglas Underwood Myers (Edgar "Chip") Mary Bess Underwood Whorton (Ronald), and her son John Fredrick Underwood (Stefanie).  Her 12 grandchildren, who called her "Mama Lou," are Nathan Myers (Pam), Will Myers (Lauren), Nicholas Carl DeMoss (Nicky), Hannah Cooper Rothermich (Phil), Charlie Whorton (Sara), Wilson Whorton (Samantha), Anna-Louise Wherry (Alex), Wiley Underwood, Sam Whorton (Hannah), Mary Elizabeth Whorton, John Fredrick Underwood, Jr., Catherine Isabella Underwood and Charlotte Louise Underwood and 12 great-grandchildren.

We were blessed by many special people during these last few years. We would like to thank Hospice of The Valley for the excellent care they gave to our parents and the love and support that they provided, especially Leigh Ann, Penny, and Carol. We will be eternally grateful to our dear friend Deborah Yarbrough.  In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to Neighborhood Christian Center and Hospice of the Valley.

Mrs. Underwoods family will receive friends at Decatur Methodist Church In Decatur, AL, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 am with the Celebration of Life service immediately following at 11:00 am.

Berryhill Funeral Home is assisting the family.