Clara Lehman Underhill
Clara Lehman Underhill, 95, of Chattanooga, passed away on Thursday, September 7, 2023.
She was born on June 10, 1928 in Woodbury, Tn., to the late James Bragg and Kathryn Roach. While attending Woodbury Central High School she was a cheerleader and excelled in basketball. After she married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life they moved to Nashville, Tn. It was there she worked for General Shoe and was recruited by the AAU Women's Basketball League. They were National Champions in 1950 and she was selected National Queen from the 350 players at the tournament. After moving to Chattanooga she stayed busy guiding her four children and running from one event to another in multiple locations. She sacrificed for her children daily. She was given the nickname "Granny" in her mid-thirties because the door to her home and refrigerator were always open. Many lives passed through the door and she loved each and every one of them. She later worked in retail management and retired from Casual Corner. She lived life with love and laughter, grace and elegance, Clara was a beautiful person inside and out. She was the glue that held us together.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim and a son, Mike.
Survivors include children, Gary (Sharon) Underhill, Kathy Underhill, and Craig (Kathy) Underhill, and Sebia Petrovich of California: grandchildren, Jennifer Wrinkle, Heather Underhill, Amanda Suttles, and Shawna Underhill, Abigail Petrovich. And to all the great grands, Courtney, Nevaeh, Brooklynn, Taylor, Zachary, Jonthan, JJ, Gavin, Stephanie and Chris, she loved you with her whole heart. She is also survived by her cousins, Martha Turner, Francis Rich, and Betty Smithson and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service at 1:30 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital, St. Jude Children's Hospital, Chattanooga Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House or the Chattanooga Humane Society.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Clara Lehman Underhill