April 18, 1934 – June 28, 2026
With love and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Mary Sue Chilton Underwood on June 28, 2026. Sue was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, faithful Christian, and treasured friend whose quiet strength, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family touched all who knew her.
Sue was preceded in death by her beloved husband of many years, Harry Lee Underwood, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, faith, and partnership, and by her cherished great-grandson, Brawley Jack Howard.
She is survived by her son, Russell Lee Underwood; her daughter, Susan Elizabeth Kinard and her husband Olaf Kinard; her granddaughter, Kathryn Melissa Howard and her husband, Jeremy Howard; and her grandson, Michael Lee Olaf Kinard. She also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, and neighbors who will deeply miss her warm smile and generous spirit.
Born and raised on a tobacco farm in Westfield, North Carolina, Sue learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and family at an early age. She grew up alongside her older sister and younger brother, helping on the family farm and developing a lifelong appreciation for the beauty of God’s creation.
An exceptional student, Sue graduated as Valedictorian of Surry County High School. Rather than immediately pursuing opportunities elsewhere, she returned home to help care for her family, assisting on the farm and working at their local grocery store while her father struggled with heart ailments. Her selflessness and sense of responsibility would become hallmarks of her life.
Sue later began her career with Wachovia Bank, where she met the love of her life, Harry Lee Underwood. After a respectful courtship, they were married and lived a life marked by faith, devotion, and mutual love. Their greatest joy was when they were blessed with twins, Russell and Elizabeth.
After dedicating herself to raising her family, Sue served for many years as a teacher’s aide at Old Town Elementary School. Her gentle nature, patience, and caring heart made a lasting impression on countless children and educators until her retirement.
Sue possessed a remarkable gift for gardening. Friends and family often joked that she could take a single sprig from almost any flowering plant and transform it into a flourishing garden. Her love of flowers became one of her life’s greatest passions, a passion she lovingly passed on to her daughter and granddaughter, who continue to enjoy the beauty she inspired.
Faith was the cornerstone of Sue’s life. She and Harry were devoted members of Bethania Moravian Church, where they faithfully worshiped and served for many years. In retirement, they fulfilled a dream by purchasing the historic former parsonage adjacent to the church, enjoying the close-knit community they loved so dearly before later moving to Salemtowne Retirement Community.
For nearly fifteen years, Sue became a familiar and beloved presence at Salemtowne Retirement Community. Residents and staff alike came to know her for her gracious spirit, kind words, and genuine interest in others. She made friends wherever she went and enriched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Sue’s legacy is one of quiet service, steadfast faith, unconditional love, and the beauty she cultivated—in her gardens, in her family, and in the lives of those around her. Her family finds comfort knowing she is reunited with Harry, and they rejoice in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished. Her life reminds us that the greatest legacy is not measured by accomplishments, but by the love we share, the faith we live, and the lives we nurture along the way.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate nurses, nursing assistants, Home Care staff, Hospice, therapists, dining services, and maintenance staff at Salemtowne Retirement Community. Their exceptional care, kindness, patience, and genuine love for Sue brought comfort not only to her but also to her family. The friendships they formed, the dignity with which they cared for her, and the countless acts of compassion shown each day will never be forgotten. The family is deeply grateful for the blessing each of them was in Sue’s life and for the peace they provided throughout her years at Salemtowne.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to either Bethania Moravian Church or the Salemtowne Retirement Community Team Member Emergency Fund. These organizations held a special place in Sue’s heart and reflect her lifelong faith, generosity, and appreciation for those who cared for her with such compassion.
A drop-in celebration of Sue’s life will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Salemtowne Retirement Community located at 6102 Salemtowne Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27106. Family and friends are warmly invited to stop by to share memories and celebrate a life well lived.
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