Jan. 5, 1978 — May 1, 2015

Michael Jaye Underwood, II was born on Jan. 5, 1978, in Long Beach, California to Michael Underwood, Sr. and Cyndi Cruz.

He was a resident of Niles and had attended Decatur Public Schools. He graduated at the top of his class at Lake Michigan College at M-Tech, as a welder. He was a loving husband and devoted father. He was employed at Lacay Fabrication.

Michaels favorite past time was cooking on his grill and spending quality time with his family and friends. He was a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Bryant L. Bacon, Sr.

He leaves to cherish his memory after his unexpected sunset on May 1, 2015 his parents, Michael Jaye Underwood, Sr. of Decatur, Michigan and Cindy Cruz of Niles; his loving wife of 17 years, Marla Underwood of Niles; three sons, Michael Jay Underwood, III of Battle Creek, Michigan, Vincent Hightower of South Haven, Michigan, Brian Alan Powell, Jr. of South Bend, Indiana; a daughter, Yadia Jayden Ashanti Underwood of Niles; a grandson, Tony Allen Jo Powell; a sister, Kenyada Underwood (Robert Moore) of Kalamazoo, Michigan; three brothers, Rashaun Underwood of California, Malcolm and Malik Underwood both of Decatur; as well as a very special brother, Andrew (Kaloni) Voight of Paw Paw; mother-in-law, Frances Jones of Niles; father-in-law, Victor (Ernestine) Jones, Sr.; brother-in-law, Victor Jones, Jr.; God-son, Adrian, all of South Bend; along with countless other relatives and friends whose lives were touched by him.

Mike was preceded in death by grandmothers, Roberta Russell and Carmelita Cruz; cousin, Mac Underwood; an aunt, Darlene Gray; and a cousin, Jeff Russell.

Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2015, m. at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Niles with visitation beginning at noon at the church.

Memories of Michael may be shared with the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.