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Gayle "Elaine" Adams Underwood, 74, of Sherrills Ford, NC, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2017 at Catawba Regional Hospice, Sherrills Ford following a two and one half year battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She was born on September 20, 1943 in Charlotte to Charlie and Myrtle Adams. Elaine grew up in charlotte and attended public schools before graduating from Garinger High School in its second year of existence. Four years later, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from UNC-Chapel Hill School of Nursing. Elaine later earned a Master of Community Education degree from Appalachian State University. Following graduation from UNC-CH, Elaine worked for the Mecklenburg County Health Department in various capacities including generalized public health nursing, school health, epidemiology, disaster preparedness and Family Centered Care. Some of her most enjoyable work involved checking on infants newly arrived home from the hospital. Elaine resigned her supervisory position at the Health Department to work for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as Director of Family and Community Relations. Her staff was active in the development and implementation of Student Services projects such as the Bright Beginnings pre-kindergarten program. Following her retirement from the school system, Elaine and her husband moved to Catawba County. It was there that she was employed by Catawba County Social Services as coordinator and facilitator of various projects. She was also Resident Evaluation Consultant with the NC Dept. of Health and Human Services working on programs related to senior adults and adult care homes. Since her permanent retirement, Elaine has enjoyed reading historical fiction and fantasy novels, attending acoustic and Americana music concerts, visits with her grandchildren and beach trips to Sunset and Oak Island. Those of you who knew her or met her for even a short time were privileged to know a gracious, laid-back, beautiful lady who displayed a quick sense of humor. Her patience when dealing with any issue would have been the envy of Job. Elaine is survived by her husband of 52 years, Ron; son, Joel and his wife, Amy, and their daughters, Lydia and Julia. Their son, Shawn, his wife, Barbara, and their son, Joe; Elaine’s brothers, Chuck and Rick and sister, Melanie Patterson. Elaine chose to be cremated. The family will receive family and friends at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 17 from 5:00-7:00 PM. Following Elaine’s wishes, the family will celebrate her life privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society 1901 Brunswick Rd., Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28207-1897 or a charity of the donor’s choice. We would like to thank all of the family and friends who comforted Elaine with their words and deeds throughout her illness. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Underwood family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

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Gayle Elaine Underwood

September 20, 1943 - October 13, 2017