Garland Perry

Garland Perry, an 86-year-old retired teacher remembered for her kindness and dedication, was a respected and loved member of her Birmingham, Alabama, community. A Black woman known for being sweet, intelligent, and impeccably dressed, she had a lasting impact on many of her former students at Dudley Elementary School, who recalled her as a firm but caring educator. She was also a cherished member of her church and family.

The morning of Monday, September 21, 2020, turned tragic in the Smithfield Estates neighborhood. At approximately 8:43 a.m., Birmingham Police Department officers from the west precinct were dispatched to a residence at 1633 Brookfield Lane following a report of an assault. When they arrived, they were met by Garland Perry’s daughter, who informed them that her mother was severely injured inside the home. The officers entered and found Mrs. Perry in the kitchen, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Despite the immediate response, her injuries were too severe, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The preliminary investigation by Birmingham police quickly pointed to a suspect who was tragically close to the victim. Investigators determined that Mrs. Perry’s older brother, 88-year-old Joshua Underwood of Birmingham, had allegedly stabbed his sister multiple times before leaving the residence on foot. A search of the immediate area commenced, and authorities soon located Underwood hiding underneath a large cactus bush nearby. He was taken into custody.

Following his arrest, Underwood was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment and evaluation. Police noted that he appeared disoriented when they found him. The Birmingham Police Department later announced that a murder warrant had been issued for Joshua Underwood in connection with his sister’s death. After being released from the hospital, he was to be transferred to the Jefferson County Jail, where he would be held on a $60,000 bond.

The news of the violent death of a beloved elderly woman at the hands of her own brother sent a shock through the community. Friends, former students, and neighbors expressed their grief and disbelief on an online tribute wall for Mrs. Perry. They shared memories of her grace, her sharp mind, and the positive influence she had on their lives, with one commenter describing her death as "horrific."

A public visitation for Garland Perry was held on Friday, October 2, 2020, allowing the community to pay their respects. A graveside service followed the next day, Saturday, October 3, 2020, at Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum, where she was laid to rest. As of late 2020, the case against Joshua Underwood was proceeding through the justice system. At the time of the initial reports, police asked anyone with additional information to contact the Birmingham Police Department Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.