Obituary of Jessie Lou Plunkett

Jessie Lou Underwood Plunkett of Roanoke, VA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on Sunday, October 13, 2013. Jessie, daughter of Charles and Carrie Underwood, was born in Roanoke, VA, on September 23, 1943. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Harry Lee Underwood. Jessie is survived by her children; Alisa Plunkett Isbel, Allison Plunkett Harris, and Peter Samuel Plunkett; her grandchildren, Kendall and Judson Isbel; her son-in-law Brad, her sister and very best friend, Mary Evelyn Hill, brother-in-law Dave, niece, Julia and nephews, Jeff and Jason Hill. She also leaves her many dear friends who have countless memories of good times to cherish. Jessie never met a stranger, and was always eager to include new people in conversation. Nothing brought her greater joy than a selfless extension of kindness to a person or animal in need. Jessie's social calendar remained full and included Monday night dinners with her sister Mary and daughter Alisa's families. Tuesday nights were for gatherings at Coach and Four and on Thursday evenings she and her circle would begin their night at "Party in the Park" and end the evening at The Filling Station. Jessie's house was the gathering place on Sundays for fun times around her pool with her best friends. Included in the many ways Jessie has been described are the "welcome wagon," a social butterfly, a trooper in the face of controversy, and the rock of her family. All who knew Jessie will miss her greatly. In lieu of flowers, each of Jessie's children has selected a worthy cause to receive donations to honor her legacy. Please consider supporting one of the following organizations. By donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, funds will be provided to families of ailing children. Giving to the Smithfield Elementary School Media Center at 3200 Smithfield Church Road, Charlotte, NC 28210, will place books in Jessie's honor in the school's library where her daughter Allison is the principal. Giving to the League of Animal Protection, PO Box 561, Fincastle, VA 24090, will help to care for the animals, which Jessie loved so much while they are waiting to be adopted. Her granddaughter Kendall spent many hours volunteering at this safe haven for animals. All who love Jessie are invited to a celebration of her life at her daughter Alisa's house. We will share memories and fellowship in Jessie's honor. The celebration will begin at 3:00 pm on Saturday, October 19th and we will share a meal together beginning at 5:00 pm. Alisa's address is 987 Parsons Road, Troutville, VA 24175.