Ms. Leonora Jean Underwood Davis

Leonora was born June 19,1949 to the late Leonard and Mattie White Underwood in Lexington, KY. She peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord on September 12,2025. Leonora, whose faith in God was evident throughout her life, accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age at Evergreen Baptist Church, Lexington. She was educated in the Fayette County Public Schools and graduated from Bryan Station High School in 1967. She attended Eastern Kentucky University where she met her life-long friends, Jackie Reed and Yvonne Clay. After working in banking for a few years in Lexington, Leonora relocated to Los Angeles where she lived for 39 years. During Leonora's time in Los Angeles, she was an active member of the Metropolitan Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Frank Hardy. She was a member of Pastor Hardy's secretarial staff and self-proclaimed critic of his sermons, advising him when she thought his sermons were too long. She exhibited her passion for cooking tasty food while serving as manager of the culinary and hospitality ministry. Leonora showed her prowess as a teacher while serving annually as an adult class Vacation Bible School leader, a position that she was initially hesitant to accept; her students were older, and she felt, more biblically knowledgeable than she.In little time, that position became one of her favorite things to do at the church. She was a long-time representative and staff member of the Progressive National Baptist Congress, which convened in cities nationally as well as in the Caribbean. Leonora was loved and respected by the many friends that she met at Metropolitan. Leonora retired from AT &T in 2011 where she had cultivated more life-long friendships, including Stan Hillard and Melody Powell, whom she loved. After a glorious retirement party and saying so long to her life of work and friends in LA, Leonora relocated to her hometown to be near family in 2013. She proudly celebrated her birthday by closing on the ownership of a home. Leonora loved entertaining and cooking holiday meals-and more-in her home or at her sister and brother-in law's home. She enjoyed decorating her home for each season, but Christmas time was by far her favorite. Her garden of red and pink roses was important and soothing to her and she loved that she could view it from her living room as well. Leonora used every opportunity to spend time with her nephews and their families, and with her niece, offering encouragement, wisdom, and "Auntie "love. She also enjoyed her time with her cousins and friends, participating in the Shackleford-White Family Reunion, Elder Crafters, birthday parties, Swahili Elks Ball (wearing her ball gown and glitzy sneakers; any holiday, or Kentucky Derby celebration. She enjoyed buying and being gifted purses. All sizes. All styles. Leonora lived the life of a Proverbs 31 woman, portraying her hard work, devotion to God, care for her family and generosity to all. One of her favorite sayings was "I'm nice to others because people are so nice to me and they don't have to be, and I appreciate that" Leonora was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Larry and Aaron "Moe" Underwood. Leonora leaves to celebrate her life, a loving and devoted family: A sister, Joyce (Howard Edward "H.E.) White; a brother, Leonard Underwood, Jr.; Nephews, Dr. Derrick (Dr. Stephanie) White and Jerome (Jenell White; Niece, Joyel Searight; Great-Nephews, Nicholas, Douglass, Avery, and Langston White; An aunt, Mrs. Mildred Garrett, Cincinati, OH.; and numerous cousins and friends. Memories of Leonora will live live on in our hearts forever.

Ms. Leonora Jean Underwood Davis

June 19, 1949 - September 12, 2025

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Ms. Leonora Jean Underwood Davis

June 19, 1949 - September 12, 2025

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information