Bernette (Bernetta a.k.a “Bonnie”) Underwood was born on July 30, 1926,
in Gainesville, AL, to Emanuel and Lucinda Hatter. She was the fourth of
thirteen children. Fannie Dixon, Susie Mae McCloud, Emanuel Hatter,
Christine Hatter, and Barnes Hatter preceded her in death.
She accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized at New Bethel
Missionary Baptist Church by Rev. P.F. Ware. She was educated in the
Sumter County School system. She followed her sisters in moving to
Chicago in 1947.
She met and married Steve Underwood, Sr. To this union, four sons were
born: Steve, Jr., Charles, Myles, and Bernard, who preceded her in death.
They gave her grandchildren and great-grandchildren that filled her heart
with joy.
She did not believe in anyone outside the family watching her children, grand-
children, nieces, nephews, or even close neighbors. She secured the park
permit for the Hatter Family Picnic every year. She shared a special bond with
her sisters and loved their secret birthday celebrations. She was known for
her cakes, her infectious smile and laugh, and her coveted kisses. “All Day”
Underwood was a faithful and dedicated member of the New Mount Vernon
MBC Usher Board for nearly 30 yrs. Her grandson entrusted Rev Darian
Williams of Renewed Hope MBC with his grandmother when she needed a
more accessible church home.
She leaves to cherish her memories: three sons, Steve Underwood, Jr., Charles
L. Underwood and Myles Underwood; Five sisters, Exie Underwood, Willie
Hinton, Princella Showers, Dorothy Bailey and Virgina (Joseph) Robertson;
two brothers, Jamie Roy Hatter and Darnell Hatter, Sr. When asked how
many children she had, she’d say “I don’t know. They’re all my babies. I’m so
blessed.” She claimed all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and
nephews as her own. And so many cousins, neighbors, and dear friends who
claim her as their sister.