Patricia Anne Eckenrode Overholt

Patricia Overholt

Patricia Anne Eckenrode Overholt was born on Oct. 18, 1932, to William and Alice Eckenrode in York, Pennsylvania. The oldest of their four children, she attended school in York, graduating from York Catholic High School in 1950. She then attended Millersville University, graduating with a B.S. degree in Education in January 1954.

In December 1953, she married her husband of 67 years, Jack W. Overholt, with whom she nurtured and dedicated herself to their family, spanning from their children to their great-grandchildren. Over the years, they lived in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, and Illinois before moving to Jekyll Island in 1987. Pat was a devoted mother and beloved schoolteacher. She taught school in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Illinois, and had a reputation for striking the perfect balance between loving and firm in the classroom. With her family and friends, she was always the life of the party with her trademark joyful essence. She celebrated the big and small moments in life and made those around her feel seen and loved. She always adored parties, dressing up for Halloween and never missed one of her kids' events or activities. She was typically the last person out of the church parking lot, stopping to visit with friends - much to the amused frustration of her family. She loved hosting her annual Christmas Eve party, walking on the beach, reading good books, singing Irish lullabies, visiting with family near and far and enjoyed the love of many beloved dogs across the years.

In 1987, Pat and Jack retired to Jekyll Island, where Pat pursued her love of history by diving into the rich history of Southeast Georgia, devoting countless hours to her volunteer work for the Jekyll Island Museum, Elderhostel programs for Mercer University and the Coastal Georgia Historical Society Museum on St. Simons Island. She conducted tours and worked with school groups, affording her the opportunity to continue teaching, even in her retirement.

She enjoyed her membership in the garden Club, Arts Association, Catholic Women and Sand Dollar Club, and was particularly proud to have been a charter member of the Jekyll Island Singers. Pat also served as a mentor at Goodyear Elementary School and was a volunteer at The Children's Center. She was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Parish, serving in several volunteer capacities at their mission church on Jekyll Island.

Pat was predeceased by her parents; husband, Jack; daughter-in-law, Julie Overholt; and grandson, Jake Tull.

She leaves behind her son David (Selena) of Riverton, Utah; and daughter Susan Tull of Little Rock, Arkansas, and daughter Kathleen (Dan) Dodillet of Jupiter, Florida. Left to cherish her memory are nine grandchildren, Sean (Mekensy) Overholt, Patrick Overholt, Kate (Jason) Hadley, Sara Grace Overholt and Wynn Overholt, all of Utah, Kathryn (Sam) Tull of Arkansas, Grace (Patrick) Weinberg of Florida, Jack (Evie) Dodillet of Illinois and William Dodillet of Texas. Pat is also survived by six great granddaughters, Lucy, Stella, Eden, Jules, Monroe and Pyper Overholt; and one great-grandson, Max Weinberg.

She will be greatly missed by her family, but we are heartened to know that she will rest in eternal peace with her beloved husband Jack, who she has missed profoundly since his passing in 2021. A Mass of Catholic burial will be celebrated in the spring or summer of 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pat's memory to the Jekyll Singers, which brought her abundant joy, at Jekyll Singers, c/o Kate Hamer, 500 Hopeton Drive, St. Simons Island, GA 31522.

Family-placed obituary

The Brunswick News, December 10, 2025