Helen Overbey

Helen Timberlake Overbey, age 95, of Kalamazoo, MI passed away Thursday, June 23, 2016 at Friendship Village in Kalamazoo. She was preceded in death in 2008 by her husband and loving partner of 66 years, Charles Brown Overbey, Jr. Helen was born in Marshallville, Georgia on December 10, 1920. She was raised in Atlanta and after high school received her Registered Nursing Degree from Emory University where she met the love of her life, Charles Jr. who was completing his medical internship. Helen was a dark-haired southern beauty who retained her grace, dignity and charm throughout her long life. Helen and Charles were married in 1942. She was a nurse on the west coast during WWII while Charles served in the Pacific Theater in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. After the war, they moved to Kalamazoo in 1946 where Charles practiced psychiatry and Helen raised their family of three children. Helen was a superb traditional southern cook, a skilled gardener, an investment whiz, a fine seamstress, a crack bridge player who counted cards, and a self-described homemaker who nurtured and supported her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandson. Her elegant sense of style and fashion helped her create a home and life that were gracious and welcoming. She was also down-to earth and greatly enjoyed the fun to be had playing with her children and grandchildren. All who knew her recognized that she was an exemplar of courtesy, civility and dignity who served as a loving model for her family and friends. Helen was also a life-long member of the First Congregational Church where she served on many boards and committees. She is survived by her three children, Ann Overbey DeZwarte, Charles Brown Overbey III, and Mary Overbey Cheney; her two grandchildren, Phillip Marshall DeZwarte (his spouse, Rachael Dolan DeZwarte, and their son, Braxtyn Dolan DeZwarte), and Carol Ann DeZwarte (her spouse, John Daniel Walters). A service to celebrate Helen's long and meaningful life will be held at the Friendship Village Kiva, 1400 North Drake Road, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49006, on Saturday, July 9th at 2:00 PM. As a tribute, the family requests donations on Helen's behalf to Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, 901 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001 or the First Congregational Church Memorial Fund, 345 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007. Langeland Family Funeral Homes