1925
Shirley Jean
2019
Shirley Jean (Smith) Underwood
February 3, 1925 — December 25, 2019
Shirley is survived by her children; Douglas W. Smith (Maria) of Terre Haute, Craig S. Smith (Martha) of Lucerne, Switzerland, stepson; James Underwood (Sayre) of Jacksonville, FL; step-grandchildren, Steven Underwood (Julie), Joanna Massey (Brandon), Bradley Underwood (Meredith), and Susan Hopkins (Chris); step-great-grandchildren, Addison, Max, Christian, Luke, Sophia, and Isabell; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Stanley M. Smith in 1969, her second husband, Marion V. Underwood in 2003; her grandson, David C. Smith; her brother, Forrest S. Koch; and her sister, Lorraine Grady.
Shirley worked for over twenty years as secretary to the general manager at the local Visking plant on Fort Harrison Road (now called Tredegar). Following an early retirement Shirley traveled extensively. After learning golf in her early forties, Shirley became a member the Lady Elks 18 hole Golf League. Over three decades of play she became a top contender in city events. She was also an accomplished tennis player and always a favorite partner at the bridge table, attending several local bridge clubs on a regular basis.
A fan of Indiana State basketball, Shirley was always present at games involving either the Sycamores or young Sycamores (former State High Laboratory School) for over seventy years. She saw her teams win championships and accolades, but she was a loyal fan even in the seasons which met challenge. Shirley was an enthusiastic fan of the Indianapolis Colts and Pacers and of course she followed the Boston Celtics.
No one who knew Shirley failed to appreciate her generous spirit. When she volunteered to tutor English as a second language to students at ISU she entered the lives of those who had traveled across the world to study. She even became the honorary grand-godmother of one Korean infant. If friends were ill or grieving, Shirley was among the first to visit. Her worries and sorrow seemed always for others. Hers was the helping hand extended, the kind word given.
A long time member of Central Presbyterian Church, Shirley contributed as a member of the board of directors. She worked as well in the nursery and Sunday school program. She was the first to bring the brownies, whatever the occasion, and her skills in the kitchen (learned from her mother during the Great Depression) were legendary among friends and family. Within the community, Shirley was active in PEO (K Chapter); she served as president of the K chapter through several terms and was the unofficial historian of all matters relating to PEO. She belonged as well to TOBIES, an exclusive local organization of accomplished professional senior women. Shirley supported several local causes, including the YWCA and the Terre Haute Symphony.
In an active life Shirley managed to build friendships over the decades, so that she leaves both family and a great many friends in the community saddened at her passing.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 PM, Monday, December 30, 2019 at Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 S. 25th Street, with Reverend Mike Riggins officiating. Friends may call from 11:30 AM- 1:30 PM prior to services. In lieu of flowers, Shirley asked that contributions be made to Central Presbyterian Church of 125 North 7th Street, Terre Haute, Indiana 47807.
Funeral information is also available at www.callahanandhughes.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Shirley Jean (Smith) Underwood, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Monday, December 30, 2019
11:30am - 1:30 pm (Eastern time)
Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home
Funeral Services
Monday, December 30, 2019
Starts at 1:30 pm (Eastern time)
Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home
Guestbook
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