With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Janice Lee Underwood, who entered her Heavenly home on July 29, 2026, at the age of 79.

Janice was born on November 12, 1946, and was a lifelong resident of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She dedicated many years of service to the Oak Ridge School System, where she worked in the cafeteria at Robertsville Middle School. Janice was a faithful member of New Midway Baptist Church, where she loved her Lord, her church family, and the fellowship she shared with them. Her faith was the foundation of her life and was reflected in the love she showed to others every day. Above all else, Janice treasured her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the center of her world. She never missed a ballgame, school event, birthday, holiday, or special occasion if she could help it. Being “Mamaw” and “Gandmaw” was the greatest joy of her life, and she poured her heart into those she loved. She also had a special love for her dogs and cats.  She loved to shop. She had a wonderful sense of style and carried herself with grace, beauty and confidence every time she left her house. She had a smile that could brighten any room. She was deeply loved and will be forever missed.

Janice is survived by her loving son, Greg Underwood and wife, Star Underwood; daughters, Stacie Slayton and husband, Victor Slayton, and Shannon Garrett and husband, Steve Garrett. She was the proud Mamaw of Jessica Collins and husband, Curtis Collins; JT Underwood; Blake Garrett; Corey Hrynda and fiancé Tabby McLendon; and Tyler Garrett. Her greatest joys continued with her precious great-grandchildren: Lynlee Collins, Harper Underwood, Layne Hrynda, and Landrey Collins, each of whom held a very special place in her heart. She loved being their “Gandmaw” and spending time with them doing anything they wanted to do.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Gregg, mother, Ruby Corey, step-father, Harry Corey, and her beloved husband, Baxter Underwood, whom she loved dearly.

While our hearts are broken by her passing, we find comfort in knowing she is rejoicing in Heaven, reunited with the love of her life. Janice leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, unconditional love, generosity, strength, and devotion to her family. Her memory will live on in the family she poured herself into and the love she gave so freely will continue to surround those she leaves behind.

To know Janice was to love her. Her love was constant, her faith was steadfast, and her family was her greatest blessing. Though she will be missed beyond measure, the memories she created and the love she shared will remain in our hearts forever.

Services will be held at New Midway Baptist Church on Thursday, August 6, 2026, receiving of friends will be from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM with funeral to follow with Rev. Rod Garrett officiating. The family will be having a private graveside.

Fraker Funeral Home of Kingston is honored to serve the Underwood family.