Anita Barham Underwood

Anita Barham Underwood, 66, of Blooming Grove, Texas, passed away on August 29, 2026. She was born on October 6, 1959, in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Anita lived a life defined by compassion, service, and an unwavering love for others. Throughout her career in healthcare, she dedicated herself to helping people who often had nowhere else to turn. Caring for others was more than a profession to Anita—it was a calling. She possessed a rare ability to put the needs of others before her own and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Anita was a deeply selfless woman whose greatest joy came from her family. She was the heart and strength of her family and a constant source of love, encouragement, and support to her husband, children, grandchildren, and extended family. She cherished watching her family participate in sports and took great pride in being there to cheer them on and celebrate their accomplishments.

She also enjoyed spending time at the casinos, where she loved the excitement and entertainment of gambling. Above all, Anita treasured the time she spent surrounded by the people she loved.

Anita’s generous spirit extended far beyond those closest to her. She had a way of caring about people whether they were near or far, and many people were better off simply because Anita had crossed their path. She never sought recognition for the things she did for others. She simply believed that if someone needed help, you helped them.

Anita was preceded in death by her grandmothers, Nanny Barham and Nanny Ryno; her father, Ray Barham; her mother, Velma Edwards; her stepfather, Jimmy Edwards; her brother, Brad Barham; and her sister, Janet Haisler.

Those left to cherish Anita’s memory include her beloved husband, Joe Underwood; her sisters, Karen Smith and her husband, Steve, and Carolyn Jordan and her husband, Dennis; and her brother, Mark Barham and his wife, Janice.

She is also survived by her children and their spouses, Joe and Johna Underwood, Kim and Roger Baugh, and Jeff and Stephanie Perkins, as well as her bonus daughter and her husband, Shelley and Keith Hamilton.

Anita leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandchildren, Andrew, Sarah, Jordan, CJ, Kaylee, Chal, Karson, Colt, Brooklyn, Coldyn, Reagan, Cash, Marcus, Kash, and Tye, and her great-grandchildren, Adlee and Ayla.

She is also lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews, Amber, Mandy, Kara, Dejah, Taylor, Jason, Brian, Cody, Jeremy, and Jonathon, along with numerous extended family members and friends whose lives were touched by her kindness.

Anita will be remembered for her loving heart, generous spirit, unwavering devotion to her family, and especially for the selflessness she demonstrated throughout her life. She gave freely of her time, her strength, and her love, always putting others before herself.

To her family, Anita was their rock. To those she helped, she was a source of hope and compassion. To those who knew her, she was someone who could always be counted on.

Her absence leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved her, but the memories she created and the love she gave will continue to live on through the generations she leaves behind.

Anita’s greatest legacy is not something that can be measured. It is found in every person she helped, every life she touched, and every member of her family who carries a piece of her heart forward.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

Rest in peace, Anita. Your life was a gift to so many, and your love will remain with us always.