Funeral service for LaVela R. Underwood will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Lighthouse Church of God with Bro. Delbert Hughes, Pastor officiating.

Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

LaVela Underwood, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at her residence of the past six years, McMahon-Tomlinson Nursing and Rehabilitation in Lawton, Oklahoma. She was born on July 18, 1941, in Lawton, to Roy Lee and Edith (Howeth) Stafford.

LaVela attended Lawton Public Schools, later earning her GED. A devoted mother and grandmother, she treasured spending time with her children and grandchildren, making family the heart of her life.

A woman of deep faith, LaVela began teaching elementary and toddler Sunday school as a 5th grader and continued her ministry for many years. She was a longtime member of Lighthouse Church of God, faithfully attending for over 25 years before moving to McMahon-Tomlinson, where she participated in weekly services.

LaVela had a green thumb and a passion for gardening, tending lovingly to her fruits, vegetables, and flowers. She also cherished visiting the Wichita Mountains, particularly enjoying the beauty of the 40-Foot Hole.

She worked at the Fort Sill PX for more than 25 years in the shoe department, earning the respect of colleagues and customers alike. In 1988, LaVela married Fred B. Underwood, sharing a life filled with love and companionship.

LaVela will be remembered for her unwavering faith, dedication to family, and love of nature. Her warm spirit and gentle kindness leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred B. Underwood; her parents, Roy Lee and Edith Stafford; and her sister, VanZell Rodgers of Georgia, along with VanZell's husband.

LaVela is survived by her son, Ken Shagun of Lawton, Oklahoma; her daughter, Georgia Wood of Fort Worth, Texas; five grandchildren, Kyle Moore, Kasey Moore, Destiny Wood, Savannah Bowen, and Wyatt Wood and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her stepson, Freddie Underwood of Ninnekah, Oklahoma, along with his family, including three grandchildren, Jason Underwood, Sarah Underwood, and Jade Underwood, seven great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.