Nancy Overton

Mrs. Nancy June Travis Overton, age 81, of Martin passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at Jackson Madison County Hospital after living a full life centered on family, friends and faith.  A teacher for many years, Nancy was beloved by her community.  She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Dale Lee Overton; her sons, Thomas Overton (Lisa Overton) of Nashville, TN and Tracy (Virginia) Overton of Stewart, TN; her beloved daughter, Tori (Mark) Bertsch of Cumming, Georgia.  If you knew her, you knew how proud she was of her grandchildren, Nicki (Evan) Brown, Kristen Anne Bertsch, Sydney (Garrett) Gilford, Chandler June Overton, Thomas Travis Overton, Lanie Overton, Preslee Bell and Payton Bell; great-grandchild, Piper Bell; loving nieces, Jinny Travis (Scott) Killebrew and Molly Travis (Ryan) Morrow, her great-nieces, Callen Killebrew, Caroline Killebrew and Lauren Martin.  She was preceded in death by her dear mother and father, Virginia Chandler and James H. Travis, her brother, James C. "Jimmy" Travis, her grandparents, Lula and Alex Chandler, and her aunt, Violet June Daly.

Born on October 19, 1939 in Dresden, TN, Nancy cherished her family and held a soft spot for her father.  She traveled often with her mother and aunt, jet-setting to far-away locations she'd later recount for her grandchildren.  Nancy and Dale married in a beautiful ceremony on June 15, 1958, and so began a lifetime of love.  A basketball player herself, Nancy raised prolific athletes and spent many years traveling to The University of Tennessee football games, usually wearing the silliest orange hat she could find.  She obtained her Master's degree in the early 70's from The University of Tennessee at Martin while raising three little ones who balanced mischief with an unwavering love for their mother.

An active member of the Martin First United Methodist Church, Nancy held her faith dearly.  Her daily devotional helped guide her in living a selfless life.  Her social calendar stayed active with bridge games, dinners in town and occasional weekends away.  Her zest for life was unmatched and her beautiful spirit will be missed and always remembered fondly.

Nancy was a member of the Martin Fine Arts Club, Charter Member of the Martin Pilot Club, Alumni Teacher of the Year at Westview High School, a member of The Red Hatters Club and a former Miss Dresden.

She served as a UT Trustee, on the board of the UT Presdent's Council and the UT Athletic Board for many years.

Services will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021, 11:00 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Randy Cooper officiating.  Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery in Greenfield, TN immediately following the service.  Visitation will be Friday, June 4, 2021, 4:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M at Murphy Funeral Home, or after 10:00 A.M. Saturday at the church until funeral time at 11:00.

Pallbearers are Tim Wilson, Judge Walton West, Judge Tommy Moore, Jackie Reese, Paul Tinkle, GT Hall, Tom Serratt, Marvin Alexander, Grover Page, Larry Alexander, David Murphy, John Bucy, Nick Dunagan, Chancellor Keith Carver, David Graham, Sammy Waggener, Billy Cash, Jimmy Westbrook, Richard Killebrew, Scott Killebrew, Kerry Killebrew, Joe Exum, Dr. Huey Claybrook, Ryan Morrow, Richard Jackson, Buddy Babbs, Danny Knapp and James Lent Hinds.  Honorary Pallbearers are the member of the Bob Carroll Sunday School Class and the Taco Bell Group.  Special friends to serve are Kathy Bucy, Linda Luther, Pat Page, Barbara Virgin, Nina Cash, Madelyn Pritchett, LuEllen Alexander, Denise Freeman, Elex Carter, Betty Babbs, Melba Jackson and Linda Hall. 

Memorial donations requested to the First United Methodist Church, The University of Tennessee at Martin or St. Jude Children's Hospital.