Margaret Ilese Underwood, age 82, was born April 12, 1944, in Tishomingo, Mississippi, to John and Ercell Blunt Underwood. The youngest of ten children, she was lovingly known as “Marg" to her siblings and "Aunt Marg" to her many nieces and nephews. She graduated from Tishomingo High School in 1961 and followed in the footsteps of her sister, Ursula, and her brother, Harold Lee, by earning a degree in education from Mississippi State University. Margaret began her teaching career in Georgia before moving to Alabama, where she dedicated 20 years to the Muscle Shoals School System. After retiring, she returned home to Mississippi and continued teaching at South Pontotoc School.

In 1995, following the loss of her precious daughter, Amy, Margaret moved back to Tishomingo. She later taught in luka and eventually at Tishomingo Middle School, continuing her lifelong passion for education and pouring into the lives of countless students. Margaret faithfully served her hometown in many ways. She was an active member of the Tishomingo Alumni Association, serving as secretary for over 25 years, and she gave eight years of service as an alderman in her community. She loved the Mississippi State Bulldogs, the Atlanta Braves, NASCAR, and B-I-N-G-O. More than anything, she loved her hometown of Tishomingo and the people in it. Margaret had a joyful spirit and was truly the life of the party. 

She is survived by her brother, Boots Nunley (Lori); 20 nieces and nephews, along with numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind two bonus daughters of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, Leigh Ann Pettus and Elizabeth Stover; her beloved partner in crime and traveling buddy, Kathy Townsend; and her sister-in-law, Kathy Underwood. 

Margaret was welcomed into heaven by her precious daughter, Amy Wildes; her parents, John and Ercell Blunt Underwood; her brothers, J.O. Underwood Jr., Arch Blunt Underwood, Bluford Underwood, Francis Underwood, Karl Underwood, Ken Underwood, Harold Lee Underwood, and Rick Nunley; and her sisters, Ursula Hood and Ruth Bowen. We know she was greeted as well by many dear family members and friends who had gone before her.

The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this time. In accordance with Margaret's wishes, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you spend time with your loved ones.

Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. An online guestbook may be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.