Rev. Lawrence C. Underwood

Reverend Lawrence C. Underwood, 79, transitioned to his heavenly home on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

He was born on January 16, 1945 in Kenvir, Kentucky to his loving parents Bishop McKinley and Essie Mae Underwood. He was a 1964 graduate of South High School where he played football and ran track. He received his bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University in 1975. He served In the United States Army from 1966-68. He started his career at US Steel and over the years worked at various companies in accounting and sales. He retired in 2001 from his role as a process server at Mahoning County Jobs and Family Services.

He became an ordained minister in 2008 and served as an Associate Minister at Alpha & Omega First Baptist Church. He was a former member of the Male Chorus and Youth Director, and participated in the Food and Outreach Ministries.

He was very active in the community including serving as 2nd Ward Precinct Committeemen and volunteering for multiple Democratic campaigns.

In addition to loving his family, Rev. Underwood poured his heart into the youth of the community leaving a lasting impact on those he served. He coached little league football for McGuffey Centre. Refereed football for OHSAA, coached track for Emanon Jaguars, Youngstown Striders, St. Edwards, and St. Patrick of Hubbard. His hobbies included assembling model trains, bowling, skating, and watching Westerns. He was a great conversationalist who never met a stranger. His heart for his family and people were apparent in so many aspects of his life.

He leaves to cherish his legacy and memory his wife of 57 years, Rita Harris; 3 daughters, Sonja Underwood of Columbus; Lesley (Glenn) Young and Nicole (Kenden) Maynard of Murfreesboro, TN; 8 grandchildren: Ashley Underwood, Glenn Young III, Guyon Young, Naiden Maynard, Nigel Maynard, Amira Maynard, Gabriel Young, and Gia Young; 1 great-granddaughter, Dylan Underwood; 2 brothers, Norman of Champaign, IL, Jerry (Audrey) of Alliance; 2 sisters, Vivian Y. McElroy of Youngstown, and Jacquetta Peoples of Boardman; 1 aunt, Lula McClendon and 2 uncles, Frank (Betty) Williams, Will Feagin all of Saginaw, MI; a nephew whom he helped to rear, Gary D. Peterson; a special cousin Elgirtha (Allen) Ryder of Yellow Springs, OH; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers, Bishop McKinley Jr., Bernard, Frank E., James, and Charles; seven sisters, Saundra, Bernice Owens, Anna P. Johnson, Mabel Curry, Bettie Hines, Doris Hale, and Mary A. Brown.

Visitation will be Friday, May 3, 2024 from 5 – 7 p.m. at L E Black Phillips & Holden Funeral Home, 1951 McGuffey Rd, and on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at Alpha & Omega First Baptist Church 3120 Winton Ave, Youngstown OH 44505. A celebration of life will follow at 10:00 a.m.

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