Mary Ruth (Williams) Underwood, 79, Zephyrhills, Florida passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026.

She was born in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1947 to Margaret Inez Sands and Joseph Houston Williams on February 25th. She was their first born of 8 children. Mary attended Amherst Elementary School 1st through 8th and Karns High School 9th and 10th. She quit school to marry Thomas J. Jefferson Underwood in 1963. In 1988 Mary met George C. Harty and were together until he passed away in 2014.

Mary took the test for her GED, passed and entered PHCC to receive her Human Services degree. She worked for ARC (Center for Independence) before she took and passed the test for CAN and worked at Gulfside Hospice until she retired.

Mary was preceded in death by Margaret Inez (Mom), Joseph Houston (Dad), Marge Harty, George C. Harty, Thomas J. Underwood (Ex-husband) and son-in-law Arnold Wayne Neese. Sisters: Judy and Geneva Mae Williams. Brothers: Stanley Eugene, Jesse James (Wade), Horace Wayne Williams, Brenda and Bob Durkee (cousins), Earl and Mary Helen Sands (uncle and aunt), Katherine Williams McDaniels (aunt) and many other special family members.

Mary is survived by her youngest daughter Cristal Neese, Todd LaBarge (son-in-law), oldest daughter Mary E. Underwood, three grandsons; Darren, Christopher and Warren, brother Joseph Howard and Margie Williams.

Mary loved all animals, loved to crochet, had a great sense of humor, and loved to watch Andy, old westerns, and listen to oldies but goodies of country/gospel/bluegrass music like Conway Twitty, George Jones and Dolly Parton. She always loved to visit Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains because of Granny’s heritage.

Family and friends are invited to Hodges Funeral Home in Dade City, Florida to remember a very special lady on September 25, 2026, at 1:00 pm. For more information or to send condolences or flowers, please visit their website.