Hovah Hall Underwood (April 12, 1919 – September 24, 2004) was an American from West Virginia. She was a Methodist.[1][2] She was the wife of former Governor of West Virginia Cecil H. Underwood and served as that state's First Lady during 1957-1961 and 1997-2001.
Hovah Hall Underwood | |
|---|---|
| First Lady of West Virginia | |
| In role January 13, 1997 – January 15, 2001 | |
| Preceded by | Rachael Worby |
| Succeeded by | Sandra Casber Wise |
| In role January 14, 1957 – January 16, 1961 | |
| Preceded by | Valerie Allen Marland |
| Succeeded by | Opal Barron |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 12, 1919 Grantsville, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | September 24, 2004 (aged 85) Charleston, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Known for | First lady of West Virginia, 1957–1961 & 1997–2001 |
Biography edit
Hovah Hall Underwood was born on April 12, 1919, in Grantsville, West Virginia.[1][2] During her schooling, she became an accomplished musician, playing the piano and saxophone fluently and later giving private lessons. She graduated in 1937 from Grantsville High School.[2]
She graduated with an A.B. Degree from Salem College in Salem, West Virginia, and a Certificate in Social Work from West Virginia University.[1][2] Underwood went on to teach at Grantsville Grade School, later working at a defense plant during World War II before serving ten years as a child welfare employee.[1][2]
While at Salem College, she met her future husband, Cecil H. Underwood, through her two sisters when they were classmates.[2] They were wed on July 25, 1948, at Knotts Methodist Church in Grantsville.[2]
Underwood served as first lady to her husband who was Governor of West Virginia from 1957 until 1961 and from 1997 until 2001.[3][4] She supported and assisted with a variety of causes, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the Huntington Museum of Art, Marshall University Artist Series, the United Methodist Church Foundation, and America's Promise.[1][2] She was a member of various organizations, including Daughters of the American Revolution, Governor's Mansion Preservation Foundation, West Virginia Symphony League and the American Association of Social Workers.[1][2]
She died on September 24, 2004,[5][2] aged 85, from complications of a stroke.[6] Her body was donated to Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.[7]
References edit
- ^ a b c d e f White, Mary. "Hovah H. Underwood Children's Home". Children's Home Society of West Virginia. Archived from the original on 2008-05-12. Retrieved 2008-11-26.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Hova Underwood". Calhoun Chronicle. September 24, 2004. Archived from the original on May 16, 2008. Retrieved November 26, 2008.
- ^ "Cecil Harland Underwood". West Virginia Archives and History. 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-10-09.
- ^ "West Virginia's First Ladies," West Virginia Division of Culture and History, June 2007.
- ^ Kabler, Phil (November 25, 2008). "Former Gov. Underwood dead". Charleston Gazette. Archived from the original on December 6, 2008.
- ^ "West Virginia mourns Underwood". Herald-Dispatch. November 24, 2008.
- ^ "W.Va. pays tribute to Underwood". Associated Press. December 1, 2008.