Dorothy Underwood

Dorothy Ann Miller Underwood, 94, of Greenville, South Carolina, formerly of Hurricane, West Virginia, died on May 24, 2026. She was born on March 4, 1932, in Gassaway, West Virginia, to the late Carrie (Sirk) Miller and was later adopted by Wiley E. Miller, Sr. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James D. Underwood, whom she married on May 8, 1954; her infant daughter, Connie Ann Underwood; and her brother, Wiley E. Miller, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Sherri Underwood Johnson and husband, John, of Greenville, South Carolina. Dorothy, known as Dottie, spent her childhood in Gassaway and often shared fond memories of running trout lines and swimming in the Elk River behind the water company house where she grew up. A 1950 graduate of Gassaway High School, she was drum majorette during her senior year. Dottie devoted her life to caring for others through the nursing profession. She began her training at Charleston General Hospital in West Virginia and earned her registered nursing degree in 1956 from Akron City Hospital School of Nursing in Ohio. She was Head Nurse of the Acutely Disturbed Mental Health Ward at Downey Veterans Administration Hospital in Illinois for eight years. Following James’s 1968 transfer by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company to Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, Dottie worked at St. Mary’s Hospital and later at the Sun Prairie Clinic, which became part of the Dean Clinic. After returning to West Virginia in 1985, she continued working part-time in skilled nursing until 1999 and then devoted more than 20 years to volunteer service with HospiceCare. Dancing was a joyful part of Dottie’s life since the 1960s. With James as caller and Dottie as his taw, they were involved with several square and round dance clubs, including the Prairie Promenaders in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; the Grand Squares in Middleton and Madison, Wisconsin; and Dancers Choice in Teays Valley, West Virginia. In later years, Dottie also taught and cued for the Rhythm Rounds in St. Albans, West Virginia. She gave generously of her time to church volunteer work throughout her life and especially cherished time spent with her “Golden Girls” in West Virginia. Sherri and John extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of the memory care unit at The Gardens of Eastside in Greenville for the compassionate care and meaningful engagement they provided since 2022, and to the many family members whose support and kindness brought comfort throughout that time. Although living with dementia had many challenges, Dottie remained cheerful and gracious. She especially enjoyed crocheting and crafting with Sherri, playing bingo and dominoes, and attending musical and fitness events. Her ability to find joy in the present moment and greet others with a smile remained one of her most remarkable qualities. Gratitude is also given to Family Hospice and McCall Hospice House. A private burial will be held in the Sugar Creek Cemetery, Gassaway, WV. Those wishing to honor Dottie’s life can donate to the “Dorothy Underwood Nursing Scholarship” at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Foundation, 2420 Nicolet Drive, CL 805, Green Bay, WI 54311, online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/uowgb/restriction/Dorothy+Underwood+Nursing+Scholarship or by Venmo @UnderwoodRN. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com.

Dorothy Underwood

March 4, 1932 - May 24, 2026