Rosa Lawrence Overton

Rosa Lee Lawrence Overton, 89, of Oxford, NC passed away peacefully on September 3, 2024. Born March 5, 1935, in Granville County, NC, she was the daughter of Graham Thomas Lawrence and Roan Averette Lawrence.

On December 27, 1958, Rosa married James Currin Overton, Sr. Rosa is survived by her sons, James Currin Overton, Jr. (Jean) and Benny Overton (Vivian); daughter, Jennifer Overton (Russ Porter); two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Rosa was preceded in death by daughter, Kimberly Rose Overton; brothers, Robert “Jack” Lawrence and William “Bill” Lawrence; and sister Jennie Sue Inscoe.

Rosa lived a life of dedication to her Lord, Jesus Christ, her family, and her friends. Her life of faith began at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and continued at Providence Baptist Church after her marriage to James. Rosa sang in the church choir, taught Sunday School, directed church Christmas pageants, chaperoned youth mission trips, served on Pastor search committees, and participated in the Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) as part of the Averette Circle serving several terms as WMU President. Rosa was the Providence Baptist Church Treasurer for 18 years from 1995 until 2013. Rosa also enjoyed singing with the Golden Chords and volunteering her time with Church and Community Ministries (CCM) of the Flat River Baptist Association.

Rosa was a homemaker until age 40. She raised her four children by supporting their many activities and sharing her strong faith with them. She also worked with James keeping records for the family tobacco farm and beef cattle operations. After James’s death, Rosa worked for 30 years in property management in Durham, NC with Bobby Inscoe Realty and Dick Patton Realty.

The family would like to acknowledge the love and support shown to our mother by her church family, especially friends, Judy Huff and Liz Humphries. Thanks also to Mary Ray, who loved and drove for Rosa before she moved into assisted living. We would also like to express appreciation to the caregivers at Coventry House Inn and Granville House. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Providence Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. William Wheeler and Dr. Brett Pardue. A visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the Providence Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Burial will follow the memorial service in the Overton Family Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by checks payable to Providence Baptist Church, addressed to Attn: Tonya Perry, 4603 Old NC 75, Oxford, NC 27565. 

The Overton family is honorably served by Gentry-Newell & Vaughan, 503 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565. Online memorials may be made to: www.gnvfuneralhome.com