Mrs. Ada (Wilson) Underwood’s dedication to change goes as far back as the Equal Rights Movement. She was one of the Original Foot Soldiers during the Civil Rights March from Selma to Montgomery.
After moving to Mobile from Perry County Alabama in 1970, Ada established a selfless reputation of caring for others no matter their economic status. Being a voice for the less fortunate was certainly her life’s purpose. Ada and her husband Mr. Johnny Underwood Sr. (truck driver 56 yrs.), purchased a home on Baltimore Street in 1975. They both were known and loved for being faithful and respectful members of Greater Mt. Zion #2 Missionary Baptist Church at 1109 Baltimore St. (Rev. Gabe Davis Jr., Pastor).
The Underwood’s lived in the Oakdale Community until 1992. While residing on Baltimore Street, Ada saw the need to share her God given gift as an Activist to help make lifelong changes and positive impacts for all. With the support of her husband Ada soon joined The Mobile Community Action Organization. She also became a very devoted Secretary /Treasurer of The Oakdale Community Service Club in collaboration with The United Methodist Inner City Mission (Broad Street). Which was under the direction the late Rev. Fred Toland.
Even after moving out of the neighborhood Ada remained connected to the cause. When this LPN wasn’t caring for the sick, she remained faithful to the cause. Between caregiving jobs, she could be found at The United Methodist Inner City Mission implementing and supporting fund raisers and cooking/serving daily meals to the needy. The UMICM gave Ada many opportunities to further serve, give back and be a voice for the unheard until her death in 2005.
She was the wonderful mother of Gloria Wilson-Sutton, who is initiating this petition. I Gloria, moved back into the home where I grew up in 1992 and resided there for over ten (10) years. While raising three (3) girls, I also carried my mother’s “torch” of giving back to the community by providing In-Home Quality Childcare for (5) years.  Another way I gave back to the community was to make sure my teenaged daughters volunteered at the Taylor Park-Summer Enrichment Program. My daughters, the 3rd generation of Givers, helped tutor children for over (5) years. During their college years, the Sutton girls were invited to return and give motivational speeches to the youth. Like the family’s trailblazer Ada, we all remained supporters and advocates for the Oakdale Community.

Being a part of something bigger than herself was my mom’s moto. She taught me that it’s not where I lived but what lived in me and at all times, remain a Lady. With your signature on the initiative for change, you can help honor Mrs. Ada Underwood by renaming Baltimore Street to Ada Underwood Drive.

 
Thanking you in advance for your support
Gloria Wilson-Sutton, Daughter