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Ms. Dorothy J. Underwood, 65, of Bridgeport, found peace in the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ Tuesday evening, December 8, 2009, after a brave battle with breast cancer.  She passed peacefully at her home.  She was born July 13, 1944 at home on Davis Street in Bridgeport, a daughter of the late French James and Elma Rosalee Horner Underwood. 

She is survived by her nephew James Underwood, who was like a younger brother, and his life companion, Sonja Sheppard; great-nephew Jason Underwood, great-niece Sally Underwood, and their mother Carolyn Bahl, all of Fair Oaks, CA;  nephew Michael Underwood and his wife Dawn, of  Townville, SC; and their grandchildren Kearsten and Kyle Nowlin; great-niece Jennifer Underwood, Christopher Burgess and Jenny L. Santilli, of Clarksburg, who were like a grandson and daughter; and her sister-in-law Toogie Underwood of Bridgeport.  She also leaves behind close friends Julia Riley, Karen Bowers, Lucille Sellers, whose mother Philomena Sellers led her to Catholicism, Tamia and Gary Bible, Rick Reynolds,  and her beloved dog Patches. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her older brother George Robert Underwood, her life companion Tony Santilli, and best friend Mary Francis Reynolds. 

Ms. Underwood graduated from Bridgeport High School, Fairmont State College and West Virginia University.  She taught English, speech and drama, directed plays and sponsored field trips abroad in various Harrison County high schools for 34 years.  She later taught business and communication courses for Fairmont State Community and Technical College and Marshall Community College.  She was working on her doctorate in Industrial Relations when an illness prevented her from finishing her dissertation. 

She was a member of the West Virgina Educators Association and Immaculate Conception Church.  She enjoyed reading, collecting teacups, and traveling abroad and throughout the United States.  Her favorite activity was spending time with friends and family.  She will be remembered for her smile and ability to inspire confidence in others.  To those who knew her, she was a role model in overcoming life’s obstacles with determination, strong will and faith. 

The family is grateful for the care Ms. Underwood received from Dr. Abraham and his staff at Ruby Memorial Hospital, her caregiver Sheila Barrett, People’s Hospice, Angela Chipps of Visiting Angels, and Byard-Mercer Pharmacy.

Memorial contributions in Dorothy’s memory can be made to any of the following:  American Cancer Society, the National Kidney Foundation, People’s Hospice, UHC Dialysis Department or the Harrison County Humane Society.

Friends will be received at Burnside Funeral Home, 607 S. Virginia Avenue, Bridgport, on Thursday from 2 – 8 pm, where the Vigil Service will be held at 7:30 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 11, 2009, at 10 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Chris Turner as Celebrant.  Interment will follow in Bridgeport Cemetery.

Burnside Funeral Home, Bridgeport

Back            Messages of Condolence

Wed, Dec 09, 2009 5:56 pm Toogie, Jim, & Mike, sorry to hear of Dorothy's passing.
Please accept my condolences.   David Brown

 
Thu, Dec 10, 2009 9:47 am

I am so sorry for your loss.  Ms. Underwood was my English teacher in 11th grade and took us all on a trip to Europe over spring break that year.  I still have found memories of that trip and of her. 

E. Ryan Kennedy, Esquire

 
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 4:57 pm I will miss my dear friend, Dorothy.  May the wind be at your back and, until we meet again, may you keep safe in the loving arms of God.  We love Patches and think of you every day. 

 Our prayers are with Jim, Toogie, and all who loved her

Tamia Bible
Fri, Dec 11, 2009

I was a student of Miss Underwood at Washington Irving back in the 1970's.  I had her for Speech my senior year and, to be honest, we fought tooth-and-nail for the better part of that year.  At one point we had a shouting match in the hallway that was so bad that our principal, Mr. Scolopio, had to get involved.  And yet, when I look back on things I probably had as much fun in her class as any class I ever took, through college and beyond.  But here's the important thing --- after much reflection I have determined that the knowledge and skills I gained via Miss Underwood's teaching made her class the single most important class I ever took.   

I served 23 years in the U.S. Air Force in the computer-communications field and I currently work for the government in information systems.  But despite all the technology I have dealt with throughout my career, it wasn't just the math, science, physics, etc. classes that allowed me to be successful in my field.  It was also the confidence Miss Underwood instilled by having all of us students give various types of speeches throughout the year.  She taught us how to think on our feet, how to construct a proper argument, how to communicate verbally and non-verbally, etc.  Honestly, if I had my way I would've made her class mandatory for graduation --- it was invaluable.  So many problems are caused by miscommunication ... Miss Underwood taught us how to communicate properly. 

The world is a better place for her being here and today is a sadder day because of her passing.  May God bless Miss Underwood.  Mizpah 

Mike Propst      WI Class of 1976