Mellie Underwood Stanley

Mellie Underwood Stanley, 69, of Cullowhee, NC, passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2025. She was born February 23, 1956, in Jackson County, NC to the late William Wayne Underwood and Mary Jane Bryson Underwood.

Mrs. Stanley worked for many years in food service as a cook and manager. Mellie loved her cats, flowers, flashy jewelry and "what nots", and she was a Michael Jackson and Prince fan. She loved her coffee and watching soap operas and reality shows. Mellie never met a stranger and loved to talk to anyone. She was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Gary Stanley and four brothers, Fred Underwood, Gordon Underwood, Lawson Underwood and Carl Underwood.

She is survived by two sons, Tommy Ray Owen (Jodie Marie) and John Dustin "Dusty" Stanley; stepchild, Jamie Stanley (Jennifer); grandchildren, Zoey White and Kiley Raby; great-grandchildren, Kaden White and Nadelin White; sister, Genevive McCall and brother, James (Orden) Underwood.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Pine Creek Baptist Church at 2:00 PM with the Rev. Jerry Hagen officiating. The family will greet friends following the service.

Online condolences can be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Stanley family.