Jonas Lenear Underwood

Jonas Lenear Underwood was born on August 16, 1964, to Humphrey P. Underwood and Julia Lee Marshall Underwood. Jonas attended preschool in the Head Start Program in Rosedale, Mississippi. He attended West Bolivar Elementary School and West Bolivar Junior High School, where he participated in football and trade courses. Jonas relocated to Chicago and attended John Marshall High School.

Thereafter, he was employed with his brother, Alonzo Woods, as a painter and general carpenter. Jonas was baptized at the age of 13 at C.A. Burke Missionary Baptist Church in Rosedale, Mississippi, under the leadership of Rev. Tom Meeks. He later united with New Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois.

Jonas was ordained into the Gospel Ministry at Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church on December 2, 2014.

Jonas was employed with the Rib Bazaar on Chicago’s West Side for approximately 30 years. He later secured employment with South Works (U.S. Steel) for several years. He persevered and later worked as a Sous Chef at Chicago O’Hare International Airport for several years. Jonas was also employed as a cook at the Great Lakes Naval Base.

Jonas enjoyed cooking at family functions, dancing, joking, and listening to music. He was known for his warm smile, sense of humor, and love for bringing family and friends together through food and fellowship.

Jonas was preceded in death by his parents, Humphrey P. Underwood and Julia Lee Marshall Underwood; his siblings, Joe Underwood, Elton Underwood, Juldrine Shelly, and Alonzo Woods.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories his aunt, Annette Marshall; one brother, Johnnie Underwood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; eight sisters: Julia Cephas of Calumet City, Illinois; Charlene Underwood of Nashville, Tennessee; Lillie Underwood of Dyersburg, Tennessee; LeeVarris Underwood of Rosedale, Mississippi; Ann Marie Muhammad (James) of Memphis, Tennessee; Cheryl Underwood of Madison, Alabama; Pauline Underwood of Tupelo, Mississippi; and Martha Underwood of St. Louis, Missouri.

He also leaves a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends to cherish his memory.

He leaves a special friend, Peggy Patch, of Chicago, Illinois.