Constance Elaine "Connie" Overton

Constance Elaine Grier Overton peacefully transitioned from this earthly life into her eternal rest with the Lord on January 26, 2026. A faithful servant of God, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, and friend, Connie lived a life marked by unwavering faith, selfless love, and compassionate service to others.

Constance Elaine Grier was born on August 28, 1946, to the late John Wesley and Erma Lee Fuller Grier in Norfolk, Virginia. She was raised in a Christian home where faith, family, and service were foundational values. The Grier family followed the Fuller family tradition of worshipping at St. Thomas AME Zion Church, where Connie was nurtured in the teachings of Christ from an early age while attending Norfolk Public Schools.

At the age of 19, Connie made the most important decision of her life-she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at Saint James AME Church in Norfolk, Virginia, under the leadership of Pastor Franklin West. She often reflected on the sermon that day, titled "Has Your Name Been Changed?", and testified that her life was forever transformed by her commitment to Christ.

On July 18, 1967, Constance was united in holy matrimony to her beloved husband, Elmo Overton. Their marriage, ordained by God, was a testament to love, faithfulness, and partnership, enduring for nearly 59 blessed years. From this union, two cherished daughters were born: Monica Overton Robinson of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Mia Overton-Smith (Tracey) of McDonough, Georgia. Connie was also the proud and loving grandmother of five grandchildren: Anthony Robinson, Jasmyn Robinson, Zhauni (Josh) Niedbalski, Stephen Smith, and Samuel Smith, each of whom was a source of immense joy in her life.

From childhood, Connie knew she was called to care for others. With a God-given passion for healing and service, she pursued nursing as both a profession and a ministry. After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1964, she entered nursing school, successfully completed her studies, and passed the State Board of Nursing Examination to become a licensed Registered Nurse. She later continued her education, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1993, where she was honoured by being listed in Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities.

Connie began her nursing career at Norfolk General Hospital and later served faithfully as a Public Health Nurse with the Commonwealth of Virginia for 35 years. Throughout her distinguished career, she received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Glowing Lamp of the Nurse Award, the Making a Difference Award, and Nurse of the Year. Yet, Connie often testified that her greatest reward was not a title or honour, but the blessing of being entrusted by God with a loving husband, a devoted family, and the privilege of serving others through nursing. Even in retirement, her ministry of care continued as she lovingly supported friends, family, and her community as a volunteer nurse.

A guiding scripture throughout Connie's life was Galatians 2:20: "The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." This verse reflected her daily walk-anchored in faith, humility, and gratitude.

In 1993, Connie and her family united with Calvary Evangelical Baptist Church, where she faithfully served in multiple ministries, including the Prayer Chain, Women of the Kingdom Cell Group, Hospitality Ministry, and as a teacher in the Good News Club. Her dedication to spiritual growth and fellowship also extended to her involvement in the Les Superbes Club, the Booker T. Washington Alumni Choir, and Bible Study Fellowship.

Constance was preceded in death by her parents, John Wesley and Erma Lee Grier; her brother, Byron Grier; and her sisters, Erma Staton and Susie Grier. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Elmo Overton; daughters Monica O. Robinson and Mia D. Smith (Tracey); grandchildren Anthony Robinson, Jasmyn Robinson, Zhauni (Josh) Niedbalski, Stephen Smith, and Samuel Smith; her Aunt Ann Walker; Cousin Sylvia Anderson; Niece Teresa Staton, and a host of other loving relatives, friends, Godchildren, and extended family.

Constance Elaine "Connie" Overton was a true follower of Christ, a woman of prayer, a nurturing caregiver, and a steady light in the lives of all who knew her. While she will be deeply missed, we rejoice in the promise of God's Word that she is now absent from the body and present with the Lord. Her legacy of faith, love, and service will live on forever in our hearts.

Viewing: Friday, February 6, 2026 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Metropolitan Funeral Service 120 W. Berkley Avenue Norfolk, VA
Celebration of Life: Saturday, February 7, 2026 11:00 AM Calvary Evangelical Baptist 205 Gust Lane Portsmouth, VA
Laid to Rest: Riverside Memorial Park 1000 E. Indian River Road Norfolk, VA