Nancy Eileen Overton

Nancy Eileen Ferguson Overton, born on October 28, 1943, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, at Westminster Village North under the compassionate care of Paradigm Health.
Nancy was the youngest of eight children born to Russell and Jewell (Hanna) Ferguson. All eight siblings attended Manual High School, and Nancy was the first to graduate from college. A talented oboe player under Bill Kleyla, she also sang in the Glee Club, served on the student council, and was a member of Masoma. She graduated from Manual High School in 1961, earned a bachelor's degree from Ball State University in 1966, continued her education at Indiana Central, and later received her master's degree from IUPUI in 1974.
Nancy began her teaching career in Madison Township in Jay County, where she taught 2nd and 4th grades. She later taught 6th grade in Decatur Township and spent many meaningful years as a 7th grade math teacher at Stonybrook Junior High School in Warren Township. Nancy was a proud member of Psi Iota Xi in Wayne Township.
A devoted member of Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ, Nancy co-chaired the Fall Festival, led many summers of Vacation Bible School, co-sponsored the Senior High youth group, played catcher for the church softball team, and taught the Mr. and Mrs. Class. She also taught a Sunday School class at the Altenheim for several years.
She spent many seasons in the stands, cheering on her favorite athletes and musicians from Warren Central, Pike, Center Grove, DePauw, Wabash, Ball State, and Marion-and always rooted for the Pacers and the Colts.
Nancy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She will be remembered for her warm smile, infectious laugh, sense of humor, and heartfelt hugs. Always a teacher at heart, she shared wisdom, life lessons, and endless encouragement.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Jack (Marilyn), Charles, Paul (Jane), Don, and David Ferguson; sisters Barbara Buchanan (Ben) and Judith Ann Leavitt (David); her in-laws Margaret and Willis Overton II; sister-in-law Cynthia Overton; and many other dear friends and family.
She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 62 years, Willis M. Overton III; son Willis "Mack" Overton IV (Amanda); daughter Alyce Overton Swisher (Allan); grandchildren Abigail Lane (Logan), Willis M. Overton V (Arabella), Laura Overton, and Hanna Margaret "Maggie" Swisher. She is also survived by brother-in-law Charles Overton; sisters-in-law Bea Ferguson, Ruth Ferguson, and Merilyn Overton; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews throughout the United States.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Aspen Commons in Westminster Village North and the team from Paradigm Hospice Care for their compassionate support of Nancy and her loved ones during her final days.
Nancy had a special passion for supporting aspiring educators and, in honor of her commitment to teaching, her family has established a scholarship fund in her name. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Overton Scholarship at Warren Arts and Education Foundation (975 North Post Road, Indianapolis, IN 46219,www.warrenfoundation.org) or to Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday June 7, 2025 in the Foundation Social Hall at Westminster Village North, 11050 Presbyterian Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46236. Please enter through Door #4. Calling will take place from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, followed by a Service at 3:00 PM. As a way of honoring Nancy, guests are encouraged to wear bright colors.