Ladena Underwood

It is with the saddest of heart that we inform you that our beautiful, witty, and loving mother Ladena Donnell Underwood, 85, of Tyler TX passed away. She gained her wings and went to be with her Lord on Saturday, January 19th 2019.
Our mother was born on June 6, 1933 in Cleburne TX, to James and Stella Johnson. She married Alpha Orville Underwood on January 13, 1951. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, and servant of God. She worked as secretary to the principals at Deer Park High School until she retired.
She was the best cook, and seamstress. Our mother mastered anything she had wanted to learn, from knitting, stained-glass making to cutting out her own wood projects, and had quite the green thumb. She also enjoyed reading and spending time with her grandchildren. She and her sisters became quite the world travelers.
Our mother was preceded in death by her husband, A.O. Underwood, daughter Belinda Kay Clay, and her brother Marion Johnson.
She leaves behind her daughter Sharla Drain, and husband Tim Drain of Whitehouse, TX; and daughter Melissa Roden-Reynolds of Richmond, VA; grandchildren were Jerod Taylor, wife Allison, Joshua Stepp, wife Tiffany, Shanda Stepp, Cody Taylor, wife Jiyeon, Kellie Linahan, husband John, Justine Clay, Angela Roden-Reynolds, Jaime Clay, Patrick Roden-Reynolds, Sam Clay, Kyle Adee, Easton Adee, Walker Adee, Carli Mae Linahan.
She is also survived by her siblings; brother Keith Johnson, wife Jeaniv of Cleburne TX, sister Janice Rhodes of Ft Worth TX, sister Ann Wylie of Corsicana TX and brother Van Johnson, wife Melanie of Burleson TX, sister-in-law Velma Johnson. Along with cousins, an abundant of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and dear friends.
We will never forget her unconditional love, support, strength, and courage throughout her life. We are eternally proud and thankful to call her mom.
Please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Alliance in lieu of flowers.