E. J. Underwood

December 13, 2025

E. J. Underwood, age 76, of Charlotte, NC died December 13, 2025. Mrs. Underwood was born in Cartersville, VA and named Emma Jean Lang by her parents, the late Hurvey W. Lang and the late, Janie Curran Lang.

A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Underwood will be held at Carmel Baptist Church on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 10:00 am with Dr. David Dixon officiating. The family will receive friends after the service. You can view the livestream of the service by clicking this link.

Mrs. Underwood is survived by her son, Danny N. Whigham and his wife Amy Rosenblatt Whigham of Charlotte, NC, his daughter, Krystal, husband Anthony Rich, twins Katherine and Levi of New Iberia, LA., Thomas C. Underwood, wife Julia and children Samantha and Wyatt of Charlotte, NC, and Sonya U. Dusthimer and husband, Dean, daughter, Dr. Nikki Dusthimer Bevan and husband, Nate Bevan of Powell, Ohio. She is also survived by brother, Marvin N. Lang of Cartersville VA, his son, Douglas, her niece Tamara Brannan Glaser and husband Robert Glaser, children Hope Smith and Amy Crowell, and her three children and nephew Donald Lang. She is preceded in death by J C. Underwood, Jr., her husband of 35 years, her sister, Barbara Brannan and her brother, James Lang.

Mrs. Underwood was active in Carmel Baptist Church where she was a Sunday School teacher to kindergarteners for 28 years. She loved the Chinese ministry, taught ESL to Chinese families and attended Chinese Language School. She was active in her community. Over the years she was on the Board of Directors of Candlewyck Homeowners Association, Hospitality Chair of Women Business Owners, treasurer of Metrolina Business Council, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce. She achieved the highest honor in 4-H, becoming an All Star. E. J. was associated with JC Penney Company for 16 years in Atlanta and Columbus, Ohio. She was a real estate broker and investor. She was the former owner of the PennySaver. She, her husband, and Jack Mullis owned Package Delivery Inc. She retired from Charlotte Rescue Mission after 30 years of ministry. In 2009 she was awarded the Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the Charlotte Chapter of Fundraising Professionals. Her driving passion at the Mission was to expand the Mission by building new dorms for the men and women in the substance abuse recovery program. She lived to see her dream come true.

E. J. loved life and her family. She loved to read, travel, meet new people, volunteer, experience new ideas, and learn new things. God blessed her with a wonderful life.

Memorial contributions may be made to Charlotte Rescue Mission, 915 W. 1st Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 in her memory.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Debi Cloninger

    EJ always was the one I could go to when I needed advice or if she needed me to help with a project all she had to do was call! My most favorite memory was when she and I took charge of the desserts coming in for Christmas and organized them in the old kitchen! We had the best time trying to figure out how to make dozens of chocolate chip cookies, pies of all kinds, and so many cakes fit on 3 wire shelving units! She truly was a very special lady and a Blessing to all who knew her! I’m so very sorry for your loss!

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  • Tom Gentry

    I had the honor of serving (for some 30-years) on the Charlotte Rescue Mission Board, even when it was called “Rebound” for a period of time, before returning to the name “Charlotte Rescue Mission”. EJ‘s contribution to the growth of the Mission is incredible. She loved her work there and was such a delightful person to know. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

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  • Karen Powell

    Although a member of Carmel Baptist, I never had the opportunity to meet EJ. Reading her beautiful obituary I learned she was such a servant. I am so sorry for your loss.

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  • Nicole Tallent-Smith

    EJ and JC served in Kindergarten in Carmel Preschool Ministry for many years. I fondly remember having many discussions with them both on Sundays as they would bring their class in for our Large Group Worship time. After I taught on Noah’s ark one Sunday, JC and I had a great conversation about the massive size of the ark. They were both very thoughtful leaders. My oldest son had them as teachers when he was in Kindergarten and they loved him so well! So thankful that because of Jesus, this life is not the end!

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  • John Hurley

    Ej was the kind of Christian we all should aspire to be! We became forever friends when I became a Board Member in 1985! She was inspirational in my becoming a volunteer 40 years ago that I still love and enjoy today.

    My sincere condolences and prayers go out to all her family and friends who loved her! ?✝️??

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  • Trina Fullard

    EJ's heart was gold! There are not enough words to express just how much she will be missed. I remember the last time we met for lunch. She was so helpful and generous with sharing her heart and perspective regarding the work at Charlotte Rescue Mission. I cherish her words and support. She was a true role model and gift to this world. May she rest peacefully in the arms of our Lord and Savior. Praying for peace and comfort for the family as the adjustment to life on earth without EJ begins.

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  • Eleanor Cotten

    EJ was one of the nicest people I had the opportunity to work with at CRM. She was always pleasant and had a smile that let you know as long as you had faith everything was going to be alright. My condolences to the family.

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  • Pamela Fowler

    My deepest sympathy to the family i met EJ through my aunt Evelyn Starnes I will keep the family in my prayers

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  • Worth Townsend III (Sonny)

    You were a true inspiration to me, as I went from early recovery to becoming employed by The Charlotte Rescue Mission. Your zeal for the Mission was contagious, and you really made me proud to work there. You will be sorely missed. Sincerly, Sonny Townsend

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  • Suzanne Garrison

    She was my neighbor and best friend.She led me to Carmel Baptist Church which led me to Christ. I will be forever grateful to her for how my life changed. She is a fine example of what it means to follow Christ. If she saw a need she took care of it

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