Mrs. Kathleen Johnson Underwood

Obituary For Mrs. Kathleen Johnson Underwood

Kathleen Johnson Underwood, 79, of Orangeburg, South Carolina left her earthly home on October 6, 2023 after an extended illness. Kathleen transitioned into the next world surrounded by the love of her family. She will be dearly missed and always remembered by her family, friends, and her many loved ones across the state, the country, and the world.

As a devoted servant to the Baha'i Faith for over 50 years, Kathleen pioneered for the Faith in Liberia and Sierra Leone, as well as founding the World Citizens school in Orangeburg. She was truly a world citizen. Kathleen graduated with a triple bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College, and she earned master’s degrees from the University of South Carolina and Georgia Tech. She was the second woman in South Carolina to be granted a master’s degree. She taught as a professor of business management at Francis Marion University, and she enjoyed crafting, sewing, quilting, and gardening.

Kathleen was predeceased by her parents, Richard and Dorothy Johnson, her sister Margaret, and her son Jeremy (Corinne). She is survived by her husband Brannon, sons Brendon (Hiroko), Alan, and Russ, her daughters Patricia and Kimberly (Jonathan), and her brother Sanjou (Jemaimah). Kathleen is also survived by 16 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, two nieces, and a nephew.

We would like to invite Kathleen’s friends and loved ones to join the family in celebrating her beautiful life at Simmons Funeral Home, 2868 Columbia Rd NE, Orangeburg, SC 29118 on Sunday, December 3rd, 2023 for visitation at 1pm followed by a Celebration of Life at 2pm in the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Heifer International or for Baha’is to donate to the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Baha in her name.

Family and friends may call Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory of Orangeburg.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.simmonsfuneralhome.com

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