Elsie Rae Underhill

Born February 27, 1951, in Nash County, North Carolina, Elsie was the daughter of Claude M. Leonard and Nellie Mae Hawkins Leonard.Elsie retired from the State of North Carolina after 30 years of service, working as a budget officer with the Office of the State Auditor and later with the Office of Administrative Hearings. She received The Order of the Long Leaf Pine upon her retirement in 2010.

Elsie always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eyes. She was outgoing and could strike up a conversation with almost anyone. Loving and caring, she was also known for her baking, especially her twelve-layer chocolate cakes, sugar plum cakes, and carrot cakes. Gardening was her favorite hobby, and she had a true green thumb with flowers and plants. She enjoyed showing off her garden to visitors. Elsie also loved to travel with the love of her life, Tim. Together they visited Las Vegas, Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and Alaska, but their favorite destination was Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Elsie is survived by her husband of 25 years, Tim; stepchildren Chad Underhill (Michaela) and Amy Underhill Holding (Greg); grandchildren Cole Underhill, Gracie Holding, Katie Holding, Cameron Hinnant, and Mykaela Hinnant Guzzardo (Matthew); and great-grandchild Ava Guzzardo. She is also survived by her brothers, Allen Leonard and Robert Leonard; her sister, Barbara Leonard Parker; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a great-great-niece and a great, great nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Charlie Leonard and Gus Edward Leonard; and her sister, Dorothy Leonard Rich.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026, 1:00 pm at the River of Life Baptist Church, 8411 Ocean Hwy West, Sunset Beach, N.C. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the River of Life Baptist Church Building Fund.

The family thanks the staff of Scotts Hill Cancer Institute for the care provided to Elsie during her battle with pancreatic cancer.

Online condolences may be made at www.shallottefunerals.com

White Funeral and Cremation Service, Shallotte Chapel