Mrs. Alma Barker Underwood Mullen died on September 13, 2021, at Hospice Savannah.  She was born on May 16, 1927, in Marion County, Georgia to the late Henry P. Barker and the late Annie Hardy Barker. 

She was a 1944 graduate of Buena Vista High School.  Shortly after high school graduation she moved to Griffin, Georgia where she lived for the next fifty years.

In 1946 she married Jesse Lee Underwood who was a native of Spalding County.  They became the parents of two children, a son, Lee, and a daughter, Melanie.  Her children were the light of her life and her first priority.  Mr. Underwood died very suddenly in 1980 at 55 years of age. 

Sometime later an elderly couple in Alma’s church introduced her to their friend and neighbor, 1SG (US Army retired) Daniel Mullen who had lost his wife in death, also at a young age.  They were married in late 1981. 

Alma was employed by Dundee Mills in Griffin for 25 years.  She was manager of their Quality Control Department.  In addition to her work with Quality Control, she was responsible for the operation of the Production Payroll, Sample Department and Employee Sales.  

Alma took early retirement when her husband retired from his second military career as an instructor with the Jr. ROTC Department at Griffin High School.  They wanted more time to enjoy their grandchildren, travel and do some volunteer work. 

While living in Griffin, she was an active member of Southside Baptist Church and a long-time member of the Griffin Business and Professional Women’s Club. 

In 1994 Alma and Dan made the decision to relocate to Savannah, Georgia to be closer to family due to health issues.  They purchased a home on Wilmington Island, put down roots and became active in their church and community.  Alma and Dan enjoyed a very close and loving relationship that could have ended only in death.  Their happiness was an inspiration to all who knew them well.  1SG Mullen died in 2004. 

She was an active member of First Baptist Church of the Islands and a member of the Friendship Sunday School Class.  She became acquainted with this class when she first moved to Wilmington Island and often said it was the kindest and most loving group of ladies in the world. 

Alma was a 20-year breast cancer survivor and encouraged women to have regular mammograms in order to determine early detection of cancer. 

She is survived by a son, Lee Underwood and his wife Rebecca of Cleveland, Georgia, a daughter, Melanie Phillips and her husband Ron of Savannah, Georgia, grandsons, Jeffrey Underwood and his wife Trisha of Hong Kong, Randall Phillips and his wife Tiffany of Savannah, Georgia, and Ryan Phillips of Mesa, Arizona, great granddaughters Siria Turner and her husband Lawson of Savannah, Georgia, Charli Ransdall and her husband Derek of Benson, North Carolina, Hannah Phillips and Charlie Grace Phillips both of Savannah, Georgia, great grandsons Chandler Paden and his wife Amanda of Plant City, Florida and Drew Phillips of Savannah, Georgia.  Also surviving are a stepdaughter Sandy Allen of Russellville, Ohio, stepson Daniel Mullen, Jr. and his wife Julie of Portland, Oregon.  Several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren also survive.  She was predeceased by her daughter-in-law Chris Underwood of Buford, Georgia and two stepdaughters Linda Rejohnis of Wheeling, West Virginia and Barbara Howell of Gray, Georgia. 

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of the Islands with Rev. Brooks Cail officiating.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund at First Baptist Church of the Islands, 6613 Johnny Mercer Blvd, Savannah, GA 31410.