Bernice Hughes Overton

Bernice Hughes Overton, age 100, passed away peacefully at the Haywood County Community Hospital on Tuesday, May 12, 1026.  Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM, at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home with Bro. Craig Tate and Minister Harman Williamson officiating.  Burial will follow at the Brownsville Memorial Gardens in Brownsville, TN.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2026, form 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.  

Bernice was born on March 2, 1926, to Ossie and Mamie Buckingham Hughes in Crockett County.  Mrs. Overton held multiple occupations over the years. Her first job was switchboard operator for South Central Bell and she loved it. Her most memorable was proprietor of the family-owned General Store and Dairy Bar on Hwy 70 in Union. Over many years, Bernice sewed beautiful garments for her two girls (and a few neighbors) in the corner during her down time and sowed lasting friendships behind the counter as owner/ operator. Most recently, she was employed as bookkeeper at Haywood High School. She greatly enjoyed her years of service under Mr. Gordon Perry and subsequently, Mr. Robert Mitchell, until she happily retired in June of 2006.  Throughout the years, she was an active member at Union Grove Methodist Church. 

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Overton Schaaf; her sister, Betty Russell; and her grandchildren, Russell Schaaf, Natalie Schaaf and Michael Schaaf.  She was preceded in death by husband, Robert Lee Overton; her parents, Ossie and Mamie Buckingham Hughes; her daughter, LeAnne Overton Hart; her brother, Norman Hughes; her sisters, Cleo Somers and Ronelda McCarter; and two grandchildren, Michael Schaaf and Robert Hart.

Pallbearers for the service will be Russell Schaaf, Robert Mitchell, John Joyner, Charlie Overton, Jessie Mullen and Reese Fondren.

All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.