Meredith Laverne Underwood

Meredith Laverne (Crouch) Underwood was born September 09, 1929. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elvin & Nettie Crouch; her husband Charles O. Underwood; two brothers, Harold E. Crouch and James D. Crouch; four sisters, Joyce L Daves, Dona (Tinsy) McDaniel, Jan L. Harms, and Mary Evelyn Heavener. She is survived by her son Charles E. Underwood and wife Joan; son Ronald E. Underwood; sisters Erma Lee Reed and Patricia Ruth Tully; granddaughter Angela B. Miller and husband Matt; grandson C. Daniel Underwood and wife Paige; great-grandsons Charles N. Underwood (Nate), Marcus G. Miller and wife Carissa, Jeremiah P. Underwood and Ethan C. Underwood.

 

Laverne was one of nine siblings and the oldest of seven girls. She and her siblings grew up in a four room (not four bedroom) farmhouse with no indoor plumbing and no electricity. She was raised by a loving mother and father in a home filled with joy and laughter. Along with her siblings, she milked the cows, slopped the hogs, fed the chickens, picked cotton, and helped harvest other crops. Being the oldest daughter, she also had many of the responsibilities of raising her six younger sisters. If the church doors were open, the family was there, arriving in a horse drawn wagon. Times were tough, family and friends were important, and you did whatever you could to help those in need.

She met her future husband, Charles O. Underwood, shortly after he returned home from serving in the army in World War II. His parents had recently purchased the farm next door, and he eagerly waited for an opportunity to meet Laverne, coming out early in the morning to help her draw water from the well. They quickly fell in love, married, and started a family where she created the same loving atmosphere and a home filled with joy and laughter.

Laverne carried her strong work ethic and frugalness from the farm throughout her life. As a housewife and mother she always kept an immaculate home, and watched neighborhood children to help ends meet. When the boys were older she worked outside the home for Burt’s Ice Cream, Thunderbird Laundry, and Education Services Co, a book publisher. Later she worked at Tasty Freese for 13 years and finished her career at Automated Mail Services, retiring after 26 years of service when she was 83.

Laverne was a loving sister, mother, aunt and grandmother. She had the most remarkable memory that never faded, remembering birthdays and anniversaries for every niece, nephew, great-niece, and great-nephew. She showed her love by feeding you when you visited, listening, and speaking words of encouragement. Her entire life was devoted to taking care of others and putting their needs ahead of her own. Perhaps she is best described by the bible verse of Philippians 2:3-4 New Century Version (NCV):

“When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves. Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others.”

Visitation will be  Monday, October 9, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 PM.