Sheila Underwood

Sheila Underwood

07/17/1952 – 06/12/2024

Sheila Ann Hess Underwood passed peacefully from this world on June 12, 2024. 

The powerhouse mother and hospital administrator was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Leigh Underwood, grandson, Jayden Zan Underwood, granddaughter, Marleigh Ann Underwood as well as her parents, Jon Daniel and Rosalie (Towell) Hess, brother Zan Hess, who served with U.S. Army’s 503rd Infantry, and sister Marla Hess. 

Born in Florida, Sheila was raised in Wichita Falls, Texas, and graduated from Wichita Falls High School. She lived in Dallas for many years before moving to Fort Worth for the last 12 years.

Sheila’s devotion and love for her daughter, Lisa and grandchildren Jayden and Marleigh, as well as those she held close were deeply rooted and infinite. She always put her needs second to those she loved. She was someone you could call on for advice, a shoulder to lean on and she was as fierce as she was loving. The biggest joys in her life were being a mother to Lisa and a Tita to Jayden and Marleigh.

She is survived by numerous beloved cousins, family, friends, and coworkers who will miss her dearly. 

Sheila worked at Texas Health Hughley Hospital for a little over 20 years, serving as Director of Patient Access from April 1999 until July 2019. She also worked for KAUZ channel 6 in Wichita Falls.

Sheila dedicated the last seven years of her life serving on the Board of Directors for One Safe Place, a non-profit agency committed to reducing crime and violence in Tarrant County. Passionate about protecting women and children, she was a dynamic advocate for a safer community. 

Memorial Fund Information:

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to One Safe Place at 1100 Hemphill Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76104, addressed to the Sheila Memorial Fund, or online at this link

Sheila's Memorial Fund

Services for Sheila: 

The wake will be Friday, July 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Skyvue Funeral Home and Cemetery at 7220 Rendon Bloodworth Road, Mansfield, 76063. Graveside services are set for Saturday, July 6 at 10 a.m. at the Skyvue Cemetery. Sheila will be buried next to Lisa, Jayden and Marleigh.

Sheila also will be honored by One Safe Place at the Women of Hope Breakfast, which will be at 8 a.m., Wednesday, October 23 at the Ashton Depot in Fort Worth.