Shirley Ann Azlin passed away on Sept. 5, 2026. She was born on Feb. 16, 1940, in her family’s rural home outside Wewoka, OK, to Luther and Lena Azlin. She graduated from New Lima in 1958.
While attending Beauty School in Shawnee, she met Chester Underwood of Shawnee. They married in 1959 while Chester was serving in the Navy.
Shirley did not work outside the home for many years, but eventually worked with Chester at the Tecumseh Housing Authority, and became the Executive Director after his death. She returned to school, earning a Master’s Degree in Social Work, and then worked for the Oklahoma State Health Department providing services in Seminole, Okmulgee, Okfuskee, and Hughs Counties. During this time, she met Richard Bennett, a widower of Fort Smith, Arkansas. They married in 1999 and enjoyed 18 years together.
She was preceeded in death by her parents; brothers, Troy and Kenneth; as well as both of her beloved husbands; and a son-in-law, Al Fard.
She is survived by: her brother, Jimmy Lee; daughters Melody Underwood (Mike Hobbs) and Melinda Alizadeh-Fard; her son Miles Underwood (Heather); five grandchildren: Elizabeth Holmes (Doug Holmes), Zachary Alizadeh-Fard (Shannon Thomason), Maggie Dunphy, Abigail Hobbs, and Cara and Harper Alizadeh-Fard; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild; as well as Sisters-in-law, Carol Underwood Gordon and Carolyn Lesley.
Shirley has been laid to rest beside her husband Chester, and a celebration of her life will be held in her honor on Sept. 26, at Liberty Baptist Church in Shawnee, OK, from Noon-4 pm.
