Tillana Lee Underwood was born on December 14, 1958, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to McKinley and Felecia M. (Stafford) Underwood. She peacefully went home to be with her Lord on February 5, 2025, at the age of 66. Tillana was beloved by all who knew her. Her radiant smile had the power to brighten anyone’s day. A woman with a heart full of love, she was known for her kindness, remembering names and birthdays with a special touch. She attended classes at the John F. Kennedy School and the Alcott Adult Learning Center. An active volunteer in her community, Tillana gave her time and energy to several causes close to her heart. She delivered meals to seniors through the Meals on Wheels program and volunteered as a dog and cat walker at the Kalamazoo facility of the S.P.C.A. Tillana also helped prepare packages of diapers for those in need through St. Barnabus Episcopal Church in Portage and tended to flower beds in Portage with the nonprofit group Kalamazoo in Bloom. For many years, Tillana participated in the special Olympics, winning numerous awards and accolades. Her enthusiasm and spirit were contagious, and she touched the lives of everyone involved, inspiring others with her determination and joy. Tillana’s life was built around three passions: her family, her extensive doll collection—numbering more than 100—and riding her bike. During her youth, it was while riding her bike around the Edison neighborhood that she forged a lasting friendship with an elderly couple. After the husband’s passing, Tillana continued to visit his wife, and their bond grew so strong that when the wife decided to sell her home, she chose Tillana and her family. This special relationship helped Tillana’s mother purchase her first home. She was preceded in death by her father, McKinley Underwood; her brother, McKinley L. Underwood, Sr.; her sister, Starla Underwood; nephews Duane G. Underwood, and McKinley L. Underwood, Jr.; and her grandparents, Haywood M. and Ida C. (Cross) Stafford, Dennis and Winona (Gardner) Underwood, and John Washington. Tillana is survived by her mother, Felecia M. Simpson; her brothers, Robert O. Simpson, Jr. (Linda Newkirk) and John T. (Becky) Simpson, Sr.; her sister, Robin CF Simpson; her special cousin, Yancey T. Kirk, Sr.; her sister-in-law, Robin G. (Newkirk) Underwood; along with a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family, all of whom will miss and love her dearly. Tillana’s light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her. She will always be remembered for her selflessness, her compassion, and her unwavering love for her family and community.