
08/12/2025
Merry Josephine Huggins Underwood, affectionately known by friends and family as Merry, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025, surrounded by the love and comfort in the presence of her two sons, at the Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Born on August 2, 1942, in the town of Hemingway, South Carolina, Merry lived a life marked by dedication, love, and service to others, embodying the very essence of her name.
A testament to her vibrant spirit and compassionate heart, Merry's was a devoted nurse whose compassion touched countless lives, where she dedicated her career to caring for others with grace and kindness. After obtaining her BSN in Nursing, she served as an army civilian nurse in the Republic of Panama for 23 years. Her commitment to healthcare continued upon her return to South Carolina, where she worked with unwavering dedication at Grand Strand Hospital, Conway Hospital, and Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital.
Merry's interests and contributions extended well beyond her professional life. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life- like driving the school bus in high school, being a Girl Scout, traveling the world, and especially enjoying the companionship of her beloved dogs, Daisy and Kai. Merry was a member of Ebenezer Methodist Church.
Her commitment to family and community was evident in all aspects of her life. As one of the founding members of the Paint Club at Surfside Presbyterian Church, her artistic spirit shone brightly through her love of painting, a hobby that brought her serenity and allowed her to express the beauty she saw in the world. Merry blended her creativity with fellowship. Yet, the role she cherished most was that of a Mom and Grandmother. Her sons, Todd William Underwood (Elizabeth) and Ryan Scott Underwood, her grandkids, Christopher (Katelyn), Ellen Taylor Holt (Matt), Spencer, Tyler, and Graeson, along with her great-grandkids, Margot, Pierce, and Banks, were the center of her universe. She devoted herself to her family, eagerly offering support and reveling in the joy of helping raise her beloved grandchildren.
Merry was also the loving sister of Anne Lane and William "Billy" Huggins and was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Merridan Huggins and Harriette Ackerman Huggins, and a son, Eric Underwood.
Her legacy of love, care, and creativity lives on in the hearts of those who knew her She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
A Memorial service celebrating Merry’s life will be at Ebenezer Methodist Church, 1760 Pope Road, Hemingway, S.C. 29554, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Rev. Lou Perez. Inurnment will take place after the service at Old Johnsonville Cemetery, 865 South Georgetown Highway, Johnsonville, S.C. 29555.
A visitation for family and friends will be held immediately after inurnment at Ebenezer Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Merry’s name to Ebenezer Methodist Church 1760 Pope Road Hemingway, SC 29554 and Nightingales Nursing Honor Guard of South Carolina at www.NursesHonorGuard.com
Online condolences may be left at www.young-fh.com
Young Funeral Home of Hemingway is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 933-4262.