Debbie Underwood Obituary

Debbie Mitcham Underwood, age 67, of Myrtle, Missouri, passed away on October 18, 2025, at University Methodist Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, following a brain aneurysm. She was born on October 15, 1958, to Herbert Mitcham and Dianne Browder, who preceded her in death. Debbie was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Underwood.
Debbie is survived by her loving daughter, Amy Underwood Barton, and her cherished grandson, Samuel George Barton, both of Maryville, Missouri. She is also survived by her brothers, Gregory Mitcham of Myrtle, Missouri, and Ronnie Mitcham and his wife, Jackie of Littleton, Colorado; and her sisters, Karen Barker and her husband, Stan of Ft. Pierce, Florida, and Jennifer Larsen and her husband, Derek of West Plains, Missouri. She leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were like family-all of whom will miss her deeply.
Debbie's family and close friends were her greatest joy, and she treasured every moment spent with them. She loved deeply and gave freely, always ready to lend a hand, share a laugh, or offer a word of encouragement. Her faith in the Lord guided her life, and she lived out that faith daily through her compassion, generosity, and selfless service to others.
Debbie was known for her strong work ethic, leadership, and kind heart throughout a long and successful career in business and community service. She began her professional journey in banking, serving in numerous roles with Sun Trust and Wachovia Bank in Florida from 1978 to 2001. Over two decades, she advanced from bank teller to loan officer to vice president, overseeing operations, staff training, and customer relations.
Her career reflected both professionalism and heart. Debbie worked as a Certified Public Accountant Assistant and as a Substitute Teacher for the Escambia County School District in Century, Florida, in the early 2000s, where she shared her patience, encouragement, and warmth with students.
In 2008, Debbie fulfilled her dream of business ownership by founding and operating the Thayer Fitness Center in Thayer, Missouri. As owner and operator for more than a decade, she managed all aspects of the business with dedication and care, creating an environment that promoted health, friendship, and community support.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Debbie was deeply committed to serving others. She served as President of Selah Place of Oregon County, Missouri, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and advocacy for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Under her leadership, Selah Place worked to ensure that local families had access to safety, compassion, and the support they needed to rebuild their lives. Debbie also served as Vice President of the Myrtle Senior Citizens, where she worked to provide programs and opportunities that helped seniors stay active and socially engaged in their community.
Debbie's life was defined by love, service, and faith. She had a heart for helping people-whether through her church, her community, or her friendships-and she lived each day with kindness, gratitude, and purpose. Those who knew Debbie will remember her radiant smile, her laughter, her unwavering faith, and her ability to make others feel seen and loved. She left a legacy of strength, compassion, and grace that will continue to inspire everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Debbie was deeply loved by her family and all who knew her. Her kindness, laughter, faith, and generous spirit will be remembered always.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate her life.
Funeral services will be 10am Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Clary Funeral Home in Thayer, MO, with burial following at the family farm in Myrtle, MO. Visitation will be 6pm-8pm Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Clary Funeral Home.
Pallbearers: Gregory Mitcham, Ronnie Mitcham, Joshua Larsen, Derek Larsen, Brent Morgan, Andrew Opsahl
Honorary Pallbearers: Alvin Reynolds, Radford Williams, Jody Williams