Lena Overman

STANTONSBURG - Lena Mae Grantham Overman, died Sunday, August 31, 2014.

Funeral, Wednesday, September 10, 11:00 AM, Stantonsburg Cemetery. The family will be at Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Drive, Wilson, Tuesday, September 9, 6:30 - 8 PM.

She was born on July 15, 1925, to the late Jack Hiram and Elsie Thompson Grantham in Stantonsburg and called North Carolina home for her entire life.

She graduated from St. Mary's Junior College, Raleigh, in 1944 and Greensboro College in 1946. She taught for 32 years, beginning in Kinston. She took a break from teaching in 1950 when she married the love of her life, Donald Thomas Overman, on September 30, 1950. They lived in Pasadena, TX, and then Sacramento, CA, while Don was in the Air Force. In 1953, they returned to Stantonsburg and built their home beside her parents. She returned to teaching at Charles L. Coon in Wilson and soon settled into teaching 7th and 8th grade English and History at Stantonsburg School. She moved to Speight Middle School in 1970 and retired from teaching on June 13, 1980 to spend more time with her husband and family.

Lena was an avid bridge player and enjoyed the time she spent with her friends. She was happiest at the beach and traveled to Emerald Isle every chance she got. Lena was an enthusiastic sports fan and a good ping pong and basketball player in her own right. She combined her love of children and music by teaching chorus at Stantonsburg School and the Youth Choir at Stantonsburg United Methodist Church. She loved playing the piano especially her two favorites, The Holy City and How Great Thou Art. She was a member of Stantonsburg Methodist Church and the Order of the Eastern Star, 265 Darden Chapter.

Preceding her in death in addition to her parents was a brother, Benjamin Thompson Grantham, and a grandson, Donald Benjamin Overman. Lena is survived by her husband, Donald Thomas Overman; son, Larry Jack Overman (Natalie) of Newnan, GA; daughter, Donna Mae Overman Strickland (Dwight) of Cary; grandchildren, Jonathan Thomas Overman of Newnan, GA, Elisabeth Lena Allred (Justin) of Charlotte, Christa Jean Fulenwider of Raleigh, and many students she taught who touched her life as much as she touched theirs.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be directed to Hospice of Wilson Medical Center, 1705 Tarboro St, SW, Wilson NC 27893-3428, to show appreciation for the loving and exceptional care they provided to Lena and her family.