By Betty Lee
Christmas Eve is a time for visiting, celebrating, and joyous occasions, but for one local family, tragedy struck on what should have been a happy day filled with holiday memories. Andrea Underwood suffered from a stroke on Dec. 24 and has a long road of recovery ahead of her, but thankfully, the community has come together to offer help.
Andrea can be described as one-of-a-kind, always happy, and someone who is always going above and beyond to make others laugh. Andrea is an owner of Mama Payne’s Dinner in Clendenin, where her employees speak highly of her.
“She would literally give you the shirt off her back. She is a loving and kind soul, an excellent mother to her children, an awesome boss to work for and great friend. She can make your bad days better in just minutes of being around her,” said employee Amanda Pickens.
Andrea is passionate about her hometown, Clendenin, and strives to make the community better by always giving back. She is the glue to many people, and is needed by so many around her. Andrea loves with her whole heart, whether it be her husband, her children, her parents, or the diner. She loves it all dearly. She has a contagious smile that you just can’t help being in a good mood around her.
Andrea has always been one to jump into action to help others, now is the time for communities to come together and help support this family amidst this tragedy.
There will be a benefit spaghetti dinner and silent auction on January 16 at 14 Main Street Clendenin, Momma Payne’s, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be dine-in and carry-out meals available. Call Diane Chandler at 304-206-1903 or Penny Pinchers at 304-548-4005 to place orders.