LaWana Ruth Underwood

Not long after graduating High School, LaWana became a flight attendant for Bonanza Airlines and was based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was during her time in Nevada that she met her husband; William E. Underwood III. When Bill and Lawana met, Bill was a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base. After several months of dating, Lawana and Bill married in 1956.

In the ensuing years, LaWana and Bill lived in multiple locations throughout the United States and Germany based on the requirements of the USAF. In 1976 Bill was transferred to Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas. Having led their entire married life in a nomadic lifestyle, Bill and LaWana decided it was time to make Austin, Texas their permanent home and Bill retired from the Air Force in 1979.

On August 28th, LaWana passed away peacefully with family at her side.

LaWana touched the lives of all who knew her with her enthusiasm, exuberance and zest for life. She loved to play Bridge and was an accomplished oil painter. Her sense of humor brought joy and smiles to her family and friends.

LaWana was preceded in death by her husband, William E. Underwood III, her father, Edgar A. Poe, her mother, Anna P. Scott, and her sisters Betty Poe Strogatz, Annette Poe Rollins, and Jeanne Poe Wysocki.

LaWana is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Judy and Steve Ritchie of Thorndale, Texas, her son and daughter-in-law Bill “Chip” and Maxine Underwood of Newnan, Georgia, and her two grandsons William “Quin” Underwood and Trevor Underwood of Leander, Texas, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Weed – Corley – Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, Texas on Thursday, September 5th. A remembrance will begin at 2:00pm followed by a memorial service beginning at 3:00 pm. Immediate family will gather for interment on September 6th at Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas where LaWana will be laid to rest alongside her husband.