John Clayton Overton

WILLIAMSBURG - John Clayton Overton, 58, formerly of Halifax, VA, passed away at his home in Silver Spring, Md., on July 15, 2014, following a lengthy illness. Born May 14, 1956, in South Boston, VA, John is the son of Elizabeth M. Overton and the late Edward T. Overton Sr. of Halifax. John attended high school at Fork Union Military Academy, Fork Union, VA. A member of the graduating Class of 1974, he lettered in track and was a member of both the concert and marching bands. He is a graduate of Chowan Junior College (now Chowan University) and attended Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College), and the University of Maryland, studying art. John was an accomplished artist and worked in the landscape industry. Beginning at an early age, John developed a love of the outdoors and spent endless hours camping, hiking and canoeing with friends and family. A consummate gardener, John continued his father's passion for growing, cooking and sharing fresh vegetables each summer. John was a non-resident member of Beth Car Baptist Church in Halifax. Mr. Overton is survived by: his wife, Kathryn Reichel Overton, of Manchester, Pa.. his daughter, Taylor St. John Taylor (Stephen) of Dover, Pa., his mother, Elizabeth M. Overton of Halifax; his sister, Ramah O. Cook (John) of Atlanta, Ga., his brother, Edward T. Overton Jr., and nephew, Edward T. Overton III, both of Williamsburg, VA, his aunt and uncle, Mary M. and Robert R. Jones of Winchester, VA, his immediate cousins, Sylvia O. McLaughlin of Halifax, Elizabeth J. Dern of Morehead City, N.C., and Bernard L. Overton Jr. of Leland, N.C., and his life-long friends: Carr Myers of Nathalie, Paul Gentry and Jack Dunavant of Halifax and Tom Rowland of Scottsburg, VA. Memorial service plans are incomplete. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Beth Car Baptist Church Building Fund, 25 Church Street, Halifax, VA 24558.