Vanessa Carol Darr Underwood

Who can find a virtuous woman for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of his life.
Proverbs 31: 10, 11, & 12.


Mrs. Vanessa Carol Darr Underwood, 63, of Rural Hall, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. She was born in Forsyth County on May 24, 1952 to the late Cletus Lacy Darr and Eula Maness Darr. Vanessa was of the Baptist faith and attended Salem Baptist Church her entire life.

She began her working career at an early age in the insurance business obtaining employment with the Jack Hoots Insurance Agency after graduating from Parkland High School in 1970. She continued to advance in her career to the position of Personal Lines Account Executive with Aon Private Risk Management. She retired in 2009 from full time employment culminating in over 40 years of service. During her tenure in the insurance business Vanessa had the opportunity to meet many individuals and establish long-term friendships with clients she cherished working with.

After her retirement from Aon, circumstances necessitated her becoming primary care giver to her father and mother until the time of their passing. After the death of her parents Vanessa returned to work on a part-time basis with Brown Davis Insurance Agency where she worked until receiving a diagnosis of stage IV lung cancer in November of 2013.

She is survived by her loving devoted husband of 29 years and caregiver, Garmon R. Underwood of the home. Additional survivors include her brother Gary Darr and his wife Cheryl, their son Sam who was a precious nephew to Vanessa, and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. A step-daughter, Tracey Underwood and grandson Tyler Decker, LPN U.S. Army, a step-son Stephen R. Underwood and wife Angie, and grand-daughter Anna Grace Underwood.


Vanessa was a very humble and Godly woman. She was always ready with a helping hand recognizing the goodness in everyone that she met. Her illness afforded her the opportunity to meet and befriend many precious individuals suffering from various forms of cancer, and their caregivers. It was Vanessa's desire upon learning of her diagnosis until the end of her life that her illness be used to the glory of God. She was firm in her faith and fought a very courageous battle against a devastating disease becoming an inspiration to her many friends and family.



A funeral service for Vanessa will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, August 7, 2015 at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel with Dr. Howard L. Wilburn officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel.



The family wishes to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the fine staff of Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, Hospice home care RN Beth Smith, Dr. Susan Hines, Dr. Volker Stieber, P.A. Allison Porter, oncology RN Michelle Turner and the entire staff of the Novant Health Derrick Davis Cancer Center for their compassionate care of Vanessa during her illness. Also to numerous friends and family members for their cards, acts of love and kindness, letters and e-mails during this most difficult period.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that any memorials be made to Salem Baptist Church, C/O Missions Department, 429 South Broad Street, Winston Salem NC 27101, the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston Salem NC 27103, or the Derrick Davis Cancer Center, C/O Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, 3333 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston Salem, NC 27103.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3: 5 & 6.

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