Judith Underwood Davis

Judith Underwood Davis, 80, of Columbia, died on Friday, August 28, 2026. Born on December 15, 1945, in Atlanta, Georgia, she was the daughter of Charles Walton Underwood and Mary Jackson Underwood.

Judy’s family moved at a young age to Aiken, South Carolina, where she developed a love for horses and playing polo. Upon moving to Columbia, she continued to ride horses at Webb’s Riding Academy. She attended Dentsville High School. Upon finishing high school, she attended Clemson University, where she met her future husband, Michael Ronald Davis. Though primarily a homemaker, Judy found immense joy in working at the family dry cleaning business as the General Manager, where her smile and conversations endeared her to customers. A true artist, Judy, was passionate about painting. She found her peace outdoors where she enjoyed feeding wildlife and tending to her plants and flowers. She also loved going to Edisto Beach with her family. An advocate for animals, Judy had a special affection for her cats. She also had a fondness for Jimmy Buffett music and enjoyed cooking.

Survivors include her son, Jon Christopher Davis, Sr., and his wife, Jennifer, of Columbia; her grandchildren, Anna Davis and Jon "Jack" Christopher Davis, Jr. who were the light of her life. During their time together they enjoyed painting, swimming in her pool, and playing with all her fun collectables. She also leaves behind her sister, Mary Jane Donovan of Elgin; sister-in-law, Camilla Underwood of Clemson, former husband, Michael Ronald Davis of Columbia, as well as her nieces and nephews Charlotte Cobb, Eddie Donovan, Kelley Gwynne, and Patrick Donovan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Michael Ronald Davis, Jr.; her brother, Charles Underwood, and her brother-in-law, David Donovan.

A service to celebrate Judy’s life will be held at 3 o’clock, Thursday, September 3rd, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. The family will receive guests at the funeral home following the service.

In memory of her son Michael, the family suggests donations be made to The American Heart Association, 887 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Suite 110, Mt Pleasant, SC, 29464.