As the universal banker at BankPlus, Frances Underwood works hard to make sure each customer who comes in is taken care of and leaves with a smile on their face.
As a universal banker, Underwood meets the customers' needs in any form or fashion that she can. It can be on the phone, working on the teller line or anything that you need done in the bank, Underwood does her best to help each person.
Underwood has worked at the BankPlus branch in Quitman for 36 years. She is known for her experience, hard work and customer service. Her dedication to her customers and the values of BankPlus have made her a respected member of the community.
“I started out as a teller in 1990, and years later, I became the head teller,” Underwood explains. “After I had been in that role for over 30 years, it was time for me to learn something different and new, because I had done that for so many years, and the opportunity opened up, and then I was able be the universal banker.”
Underwood sums up the reason she loves her job so much with a simple statement: the customers and her work family.
“The customers have always kept me going,” Underwood expresses. “I go above and beyond to accommodate and service the customers to the best of my ability.”
Underwood learned how to treat customers by watching how her father helped people.
“My daddy was in the grocery business, so I was able to see how he helped people,” Underwood reminisces. “Outside of his everyday role, he showed me how to just be there and find out what they really needed.”
Underwood took that inspiration and applied it to her job at the bank.
“If a customer needs something as simple as some coffee or a bottle of water, I just take care of them,” Underwood explains. “I try to treat people like I want to be treated.”
Underwood also sees her fellow employees as family.
“I came to work here at the age of 22,” Underwood states. “I’ve seen people come and people go, I've seen people pass away, and then I've been here to see them retire. I am one of the last three from the Southeast bank, when it was originally that. It is me, Kay, and Regina that's left out of the old crew, that is what we say. It's always been a good place to work, raise my children, and have a work family. It just feels like home.”
Her fellow employees, or should we say work family, give a glimpse into what it is like working with such an amazing woman.
Alicia Hardeman says, “Frannie (Frances) deserves this award because she is an outstanding woman who is not only measured by her accomplishments, but by the impact she has on everyone around her. She goes above and beyond for anyone that’s around her. She doesn’t mind lending a hand, offering encouragement, or listening to anything that you would like to talk about. Her dedication, kindness and determination inspire us, who are fortunate enough to be able to work beside her. This award is a well-deserved recognition of a truly remarkable woman who I can honestly call one of my best coworker family members. Congratulations, Frannie. You definitely deserve this award.”
Hardeman is not the only coworker eager to share insight about Underwood’s work ethic and leadership.
“Frances is a people person,” exclaims Jennifer Robinson, BankPlus branch manager. “It makes her happy to help others. She is passionate about ensuring each customer is properly taken care of, whether it is an account issue or a bottle of water. Frances takes the BankPlus culture and work values to the next level! Frances has taken that title to the next level. She taught me when I started here, and it was her commitment and dedication that pushed me to work hard to get where I am today. She has really been a strong influence in my life.”
Coworker Kay Mosley shares her appreciation for Underwood.
“Thanks, Frannie, for the amazing person you are, for all you do for our customers and the difference you make,” Mosley expresses. “You truly are appreciated for all that you do. Congratulations!”
Regina King, a BankPlus employee, declares Underwood goes beyond basic customer service.
“Banking customers want their financial institutions to provide more than just basic service; they want insights, guidance and relevant recommendations,” King says. “Frances does these things without having to be reminded to do them. Whether she is in her office or on the front line, she treats each customer and coworker with a caring smile.”
King explains that Underwood plays an important role in serving BankPlus customers.
“BankPlus customers are the heart of the company, and Frances’ natural customer service abilities have a key role in the growth of our customer base,” King proclaims. “This type of impact is needed and appreciated. Congratulations on your well-deserved award.”
Connie Moore describes Underwood as a coworker who brings kindness and encouragement to the workplace.
“That one coworker who can put a smile on your face with a simple ‘good morning,’” Moore expresses. “She is kind, caring and dependable, and she is always willing to help others. She has a special way of making people feel loved, appreciated and supported. What makes her so special is not only what she does, but also who she is. As a coworker, she makes our workplace a better and brighter place. Frances brings positivity and kindness wherever she goes. I am fortunate to call her not only my coworker, but also my best friend.”
Congratulations to Frances Underwood, a 2026 Women in Clarke honoree.
