Phyllis Jane Kerr-Underwood

Born March 26, 1947, to Kathleen and James (Eddie) Miller, Phyllis lived her rambunctious young life in Madison, WV with her two siblings, Douglas and Steven, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends nearby. She and her brothers enjoyed ice skating, playing down by the creek, and forming a sibling bond most never understood. In high school, Phyllis won a state championship for playing horseshoes. She loved Elvis Presley. Phyllis passed that love on to generations of family. 

Phyllis was strong-willed and stubborn at times, but she also had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. She was generous, loyal, and brave. She was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all her life experiences, which included being a pharmacy counter clerk, teaching phlebotomy, and a career as a nurse for 31 years.  

For all who knew her, remember her love of family gatherings, making an unfathomable amount of food and desserts. The rooms were filled with storytelling and laughter heard throughout the house as children ran around playing. It was nothing for her to have her children, niece Michelle, and nephews Greg, Steven, and Michael around the kitchen table decorating Christmas cookies. She made birthday cakes for the kids, from a piano, Winnie the Pooh, and even Wonder Woman. She volunteered as a room mother, Sunday school teacher, cooked at church camp, hosted many youth group functions at her home, and was a caregiver to other family members.  

Phyllis' pride and joy were her kids until her promotion to grandma (Maw Maw). Once Serenity arrived, it was all Maw Maw could do not to spoil her with love. Serenity was able to get away with things her children could not have gotten away with. Soon, there were more grandchildren. Savana and Sebastian only made her heart grow bigger. She loved snuggling with them, reading books, and sneaking pop (diet Pepsi) when their mom (Elizabeth) was not looking.   

We will forever remember her for all the heart she shared with her friends and family. She truly loved each of them. If you knew her, you knew it. When her time came, she carried herself with dignity, strength, and was full of love for those who went before her. To say she will be dearly missed is an understatement.  

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Eddie Underwood of 17 years; her three daughters, Mary Kathleen Foster, Christine Kerr, and Elizabeth Kerr; grandchildren, Serenity, Savana, and Sebastian Kerr; sister-in-law, Linda Miller; cousin, Darlene Marchion (more of a sister); stepchildren, Mark (Debbie) Kerr, Joe (Jan) Kerr, Shelia (Tave) Veikune, Claudia (Ed) Green, James (Gail) Kerr, and Patti (Chris) Barkoukis.  

Phyllis was preceded in death by her first husband of 37 years, Mark C. Kerr Jr.; parents, James and Kathleen Miller; brothers, Douglas and Steven; stepdaughter, Rebecca Kerr; and grandson, Michael Kerr. 

Visitation will be on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Bacher Moore Funeral Home, 3250 Greenwich Rd., Norton, OH 44203 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at Liberty Freewill Baptist Church, 3819 Johnson Rd., Norton, OH 44203 on Friday, January 26, 2024 at 11 a.m. Rev. Cecil Farmer officiating. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Liberty Freewill Baptist Church, and the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org/eastohio.