Wanda Inez Spivey

Wanda Inez Richards Underwood ("Sunshine") Spivey, age 97, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 in Kerrville, Texas. She was born in Benton, Arkansas to Floyd Harrison Richards and Fannie Hutchenson Richards on August 15, 1917. She attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where she was named "Who's Who in College of Agriculture" in 1940. She was active in Zeta Tau Alpha. In 1941, she became Monroe County Home Demonstration Agent and in 1943, the Lee County Home Demonstration Agent. She was married to the Love of her Life, Amos Harvey Underwood from Piggott, Arkansas in 1942 to the time of his passing in 1972. They moved their growing family to Arizona in 1952. From 1957 to 1977, she taught at Holbrook High School, where she touched the lives of many students in a masterful and meaningful way. During this time, she was on U of A North Central Eval Team, a Delegate for an Inservice Seminar in Washington, DC and a Robert Taft Seminar Recipient. She married William "Bill" F. Spivey on August 27, 1977 in Holbrook, Arizona at the First Baptist Church which was officiated by family friend, Reverend George Webb. They resided in Little Rock, Arkansas where Bill nicknamed her "Sunshine" for her amazing Smile and Spirit. They were enthusiastic members of the Razorback Booster Club and "Sunshine" became the best "Hog Caller" in the state and always received major attention wherever she went. They attended Pulaski Heights Methodist Church where she served as Adult Sunday School Teacher, Chaired the Society of Saint Stephan for 2 years and was an Ambassador with Billy Graham Crusades. Bill was a Kind, Gentle and Loving Soul who passed away in February, 1990. In 1993, "Sunshine" moved to Kerrville, Texas to be close to Daughter, Susi and husband, Ron who contributed immensely to her care and happiness. She purchased a beautiful home in Vicksburg Village and settled into a busy community life. From 1993 to 2015, she was a member of First Methodist Church where she served as President of the 21st Century Sunday School Class. She was also a Steven Minister and a member of the Emmaus Community. In 2010, she became a Reserve Officer with the Kerrville Police Department and reigned as Honorary Queen on their Christmas Parade Float. In addition to husbands, Amos and Bill, she is preceded in death by her siblings Sally, Charles, and Mary Ann, precious grandsons, Sky Blu and Casey Holland Underwood. Survived by Children and Spouses, Richard Underwood, Cliff and Deborah Crozier Underwood, Robert and Deborah Thomas Underwood, Charles and Ginger Underwood, Ron and Susi Underwood Bell, Don and Judy Spivey, David and Sandy Spivey; Sister in Law, Mary Evelyn Browning; Grandchildren and Spouses, Scott and Jackie Underwood, Bo and Stacy Underwood, Shay Underwood, Matthew and Poppy Underwood Harrison, April and Bryan Hodges, Amos Underwood, Erica Porter Underwood, Mike Spivey, Kim Spivey, Andy and Cathy Meyer, Matthew and Claudia Spivey, Samantha and Jason Davenport; Great Grandchildren, Dakota Underwood, Dylan Underwood, Dixie Lynn Hannah, Sky Blu Underwood, Jordan Underwood, Porter Underwood, Tate Underwood, Ellie Spivey, Alex Spivey, Ruby Davenport, Wilder Davenport, Alex Meyer, Mikayla Davenport; and very special friend, Stuart Meinke. Visitation will be Saturday, March 28, 2015, 5-7 PM at Grimes Funeral Chapels. Services will be at Kerrville First United Methodist Church on Sunday, March 29, 2015 at 3 PM officiated by Rev. Phillip Hoeflinger. There will also be a service in Holbrook, Arizona at First Southern Baptist Church on Saturday, April 4, 2015 at 2 PM, officiated by Rev. Robert Seymour, with at viewing to be held at 1:00 P.M. Interment will follow in the Holbrook Cemetery, Holbrook, Arizona. Memorials may be given to First Southern Baptist Church of Holbrook (www.firstbaptistholbrook.org), Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas (www.phumc.com), Kerrville First United Methodist Church (www.kfumc.org) or to The Coming King Foundation-Kerrville Empty Cross (office@thecomingkingfoundation.org). The family of Wanda "Sunshine" Underwood Spivey would like to extend our sincere Thank you to Kathy Andrews, Lezlee White, Debra Eddy and Betty Taylor; Caring Senior Services especially Donna, Brittany, Adrienne, Jackie, Alisha, Monica, Carrie and Carolyn; Peterson Hospice, especially her nurse, Harley and Dr. James Young and to all the Brookdale-Plaza Angels.