Hazel Overton

Hazel Overton -- 1923 - 2004

Austin teacher touched students' lives for 34 years Hazel Overton led through experience, mentored first lady in 1970s.

By Monica Polanco
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Tuesday, August 17, 2004

Hazel Overton was never one to demand attention, but her dedication to teaching earned her the respect of her peers, colleagues said.

Overton, who mentored first lady Laura Bush, a former librarian at Dawson Elementary School in the mid-1970s, died Monday at Seton Medical Center. Overton, who suffered from lung cancer, was 81.

"Her legacy is that she touched hundreds of children's lives in Austin through AISD," said Overton's daughter, Barbara Mayo. "She was very committed to the students, and she was a person who was ever learning. My mother read the newspaper cover to cover every day."

Overton, a humble woman, never told her daughter about her time with Bush. But several of Overton's former colleagues confirmed her relationship with the first lady. Harry Whittington, an Austin civil lawyer and friend of the Bushes and Overtons, recalled speaking with Bush about Overton.

"She was very, I think, appreciative of what she learned from her," Whittington said.

Bush later invited at least 45 Dawson Elementary teachers, including Overton, to a tea party at the Governor's Mansion when her husband was governor.

Overton taught elementary students throughout her 34 year career with the Austin school district. She would decorate her classroom with a rocking chair, pillows and rugs. Overton would place a potted plant on each group of desks, delighting her students, said Judy Harbour, a former colleague.

"Teachers that are really dedicated to the profession make the room like a comfy little area, yet there was a lot of learning going on," Harbour said.

Overton and Harbour, who worked in connecting classrooms, would leave their doors open during school hours. Overton would sometimes peek into Harbour's room and ask if she needed anything.

"She was very dependable," Harbour said. "She rarely had a substitute in her class."

Outside the classroom, Overton became well-known for her cooking.

"People would ask her to bake them a lemon meringue pie or a chocolate pie," Mayo said. "Everything she cooked was wonderful. I tried her recipes and they'd never come out like that."

Overton also grew prize-winning flowers and vegetables in her East Austin home.

Overton is survived by her husband, James Overton, and her daughter.

The funeral is Friday at 11 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1160 San Bernard St.