OVERTON, WARNETA (1923 ~ 2008). The following is an obituary for Warneta Overton, spouse of Austin civil rights leader Volma Overton. The obituary was provided by King Tears Mortuary of Austin.
"Warneta Overton will be most remembered as a woman who encouraged, supported, and gave love to all she met.
She was the fourth child born to the union of Willie and Florence Hill. She attended school in Yoakum, Texas. She received a scholarship to Tillotson College in Austin Texas where she majored in home economics. While attending Tillotson College, she met Volma Robert Overton. After four months, they married in a double ceremony with her sister Charles and Waymon Anderson on the front porch at the home of her parents in Yoakum. Warneta and Volma decided to start a family. Their first child was a girl named Florence. Next, they had a boy Volma "Bubbie" Overton, Jr., and a daughter Sharlet. Many years later, they had their youngest daughter DeDra.
Warneta worked in food services at the University of Texas. Later, she worked for the Base Exchange at Bergstrom Air Force Base. She worked as a manager for the Four Seasons store on the base until she retired in 1985. Warneta gave support to her husband, Volma, while he worked in civil rights. She understood the personal sacrifices that he would have to make for the cause of the civil rights movement and she encouraged him. She always told him to do what he needed to do and she would take care of the children and the home.
She had a keen eye for design. She often sewed things from patterns she created herself. She made all of her children's clothes. She built furniture from her own designs, landscaped the lawns, and even laid her own patio. She took great pleasure in tending her lawns. They were always green, well manicured, and full of flowers.
Warneta was a deeply religious person. She read her Bible daily. She lived her faith. It was important to her to let everyone see the Lord's love through her. She loved her family: her immediate family, the Hills, and the Overtons. Whenever they, or anyone, came to her home, she made them welcome. She enjoyed pampering all. One of her special treats were her chocolate chip cookies. She kept the cookie jar in her home filled with them.
Mrs. Overton was preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, Volma Overton, Sr. She is survived by her children, Florence Black (Kenneth) of Austin, Volma Overton, Jr. (Shirley) of Austin, Sharlet Hoium (David) of Chicago, DeDra Overton of Austin; her sisters Lucille Fleming and Charles Anderson; seven grandchildren: Ericka Holmes (Wendell), Kimberley Overton, Kenneth Black Jr., Volma Overton III, Adrienne Overton, Charles Black, and Sarah Overton; five great grandchildren: Cydnee Black, Zoe Holmes, Ailah Overton, Noah Holmes, and Aubrey Black; a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends."
Further information is available through the Texas State Cemetery research department. |
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