When we think of the Underwood family, superstar Carrie Underwood usually comes to mind first. But did you know her older sister Shanna is also an amazing woman in her own right? Let’s get to know Shanna Underwood Means – a dedicated teacher, loving mother, and supportive sibling who has quietly made a big impact.
Who Is Shanna Underwood Means?
Shanna Underwood Means was born in 1970 in the small town of Checotah, Oklahoma. She is the first child of Stephen and Carole Underwood. Shanna grew up in a tight-knit, hardworking family alongside her younger sisters, Stephanie and Carrie.
From a young age, Shanna learned the importance of family, faith, and community. These values would go on to shape her life and career. After graduating high school, Shanna followed her passion for teaching. She earned an education degree from the University of Oklahoma.
For over 20 years now, Shanna has been making a positive impact as an elementary school teacher in Oklahoma. Her dedication to her students and her community is truly admirable.
Shanna’s Parents and Siblings
Shanna’s parents, Stephen and Carole Underwood, instilled strong values in their daughters from an early age. Stephen worked in a paper mill, while Carole was an elementary school teacher. Together, they provided a loving, stable home for Shanna, Stephanie, and Carrie.
Growing up, the Underwood sisters were very close. They sang at church and local events, honing the musical talents that Carrie would later become famous for. Through it all, Shanna was a supportive and encouraging big sister.
Even as adults, the Underwood siblings remain tight-knit. Shanna and her sisters are still each other’s biggest cheerleaders. Family always comes first for this loving clan.
Early Life
Growing up, the Underwood sisters were very close despite their age differences. Shanna, as the oldest, was a nurturing figure to Stephanie and Carrie. The family didn’t have a lot financially, but they had an abundance of love. Shanna excelled in school and discovered her passion for teaching early on. She looked up to her mother Carole, who worked as an elementary school teacher.
Relationship with Carrie Underwood
With an 11 year age gap, Shanna and Carrie have a special big sister/little sister bond. Shanna was always there for Carrie as she grew up. When Carrie competed on American Idol in 2005, Shanna was her biggest cheerleader from back home in Oklahoma. She’s attended many of Carrie’s milestone moments since, like her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony. Despite Carrie’s fame, the sisters remain close and down-to-earth.
Shanna Underwood Means’ Married Life and Husband
Shanna found her own happily-ever-after with her husband, Martin Means. The couple tied the knot and built a beautiful life together in Mounds, Oklahoma. Martin and Shanna are loving parents to two children, according to some sources, or three (Max, Breanna, and Cody) according to another. While Shanna tends to stay out of the public eye, it’s clear that family means everything to her.
As a wife and mother, Shanna is undoubtedly just as caring and supportive as she is as a sister and teacher. Her family values shine through in all aspects of her life.
Shanna Underwood Means’ Impact on Her Children
As a mother, Shanna has passed down the same strong values she learned growing up to her own children. Max, Breanna, and Cody are undoubtedly blessed to have such a loving, dedicated mom. With Shanna as a role model, her kids have learned the importance of hard work, faith, family, and community. She’s instilled in them a love of learning and likely inspired them with her own career in education.
While her children haven’t followed in Aunt Carrie’s musical footsteps, they’ve surely inherited the Underwood family’s talent, drive, and kind hearts. With a mom like Shanna to look up to, they’re destined for bright futures.
Shanna’s Career in Education
After high school, Shanna earned an education degree from the University of Oklahoma. In 1995, she began her teaching career in their hometown of Checotah. A few years later, Shanna took a position at Liberty Public Schools in nearby Mounds, Oklahoma. She’s taught there for over 20 years now and is a beloved part of the school community. As a teacher, Shanna is making a difference every day.
Impact on Her Children and Students
Through her roles as a mother and teacher, Shanna is shaping the next generation. She’s instilling the values she grew up with in her own children. And she’s making a positive impact on countless students over her decades as an educator. So many young lives have been touched by Shanna’s dedication and encouragement in the classroom. Her influence will ripple out in ways we can’t even imagine.
Where is Shanna Now?
Today, Shanna Underwood Means continues living a life of purpose and joy. She’s still teaching at Liberty Public Schools, pouring her heart into her students. Shanna’s also busy raising her children with her husband in Mounds. She remains Carrie’s biggest fan and celebrates her baby sister’s success. But Shanna is happy in her own wonderful life, making a difference where she’s planted. Hers is a story of quiet strength, service and staying true to yourself.
Shanna Underwood Means may not be famous like her sister Carrie, but she’s an inspiration in her own right. This dedicated teacher and devoted mom embodies the values of hard work, family, and following your calling. She’s a beautiful reminder that you don’t need a spotlight to make an impact – kindness and purpose are enough. Here’s to Shanna, the unsung hero of the Underwood family!
Conclusion
Shanna Underwood Means may not be a household name like her sister Carrie, but her impact is undeniable. As a devoted teacher, wife, mother, and sister, Shanna is an inspiration in her own right. Through her unwavering support and love, Shanna helped Carrie Underwood become the superstar she is today. And through her dedication to her family and community, she continues to make a difference every day.
So next time you hear a Carrie Underwood song, remember the unseen hero behind the scenes – her amazing big sister, Shanna Underwood Means. She may be out of the spotlight, but she shines just as brightly.
