Obituary of Carol Underwood Digesare

Carol Underwood Digesare, 74, of Jacksonville, FL, passed away on February 26, 2023 after an unexpected diagnosis of cancer.

Carol was born on December 16, 1948 to Earl and Louise Underwood in Richmond, VA. Carol grew up in Roanoke Virginia and graduated from William Fleming High School in 1966.  She then went on to attend Averett University and graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1971 and received another Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from James Madison University in 1972. Additionally, Carol received the Mary Jo Davis Outstanding Alumni Award from Averett University in 2012, the highest award given to Alumni volunteers. 

After graduating, Carol eventually moved to Jacksonville and worked for Blue Cross and Blue Shield as a sr. analyst until she retired in February 2009. For forty-one years, Carol raised her family and made her life in Jacksonville.  After retiring, Carol spent her time enjoying time with her grandchildren and being involved with Deermeadows Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School class, led a Children’s Bible Drill Team, was a member of the Celebration Choir, and played handbells in the Celebration Ringers group. Carol also took pride in being a graduate of Averett University and she was an integral part of the Averett University Alumni Association Board representing her graduating class and assisting in other Averett University events including homecoming. In her spare time Carol found delight in her friendships, scrapbooking, pulling for the Jaguars, and being an archivist for friends, family, and co-workers.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Louise Underwood, and brother Kent Underwood (Irene Underwood).  She is survived by her only son, John Michael Digesare (Jamie Digesare) and her grandchildren Ellie and Joey Digesare.

A celebration of life service will be held at Deermeadows Baptist Church on Thursday March 2, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. and will also be live-streamed on their website at deermeadows.org/live-stream. A graveside service will be held in the Masonic Garden at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Roanoke, VA at 11:30 on Monday, March 6, 2023 with Pastor Brian Martin officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Community Hospice & Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257, or give online at support.communityhospice.com, an organization they feel strongly about.