Doris Lessley Overbey, 92, Wife, Mom and "Nana", went to be with her heavenly Father on May 23rd, 2024, at the Life Care Center of Valparaiso. She was a resident of Valparaiso, IN, having moved there with her husband Dale in 2013 from Van Buren, Arkansas to be near their children. At the time of her death, she was a member of First Baptist Church of Valparaiso.
Doris was born in Cravens, Arkansas on March 31, 1932, the oldest of three children born to H.M. and June Lessley. Doris was raised and educated in Detroit, Michigan, graduating from Northeastern High School. It was in Detroit that she met her childhood sweetheart, Dale Overbey at Harmony Baptist Church, where Dale’s father was the pastor. They married on June 2nd, 1951, and were blessed with a long and happy marriage of 70 years. Dale preceded her in death on March 5th, 2021.
Doris was a woman devoted to her family and her church. A kind, faithful wife and mother, she was a great example to her children and grandchildren. She was always active in the church, whether as a teacher in Sunday School, Bible school director, deaconess chairwoman, church clerk, or serving as church secretary for more than 20 years.
Doris is survived by her devoted family, who lovingly and unselfishly cared for her, after her husband's death in 2021: son Randy Dale (Anne) Overbey Valparaiso, IN, daughter Robin Lessley Overbey, Valparaiso, IN. Four grandchildren who lovingly called her "Nana": Christopher Overbey, Valparaiso, IN, Megan (Anthony) Monahan, Valparaiso, IN, Holly Freeburg, Ottawa, IL, and Morgan Freeburg, Valparaiso, IN. And one great grandchild, Penelope Ann Monahan. She is also survived by her loving brother Larry (Charlotte) Lessley, Cravens, Arkansas, and many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends. Doris was preceded in death by her parents, H.M. and June Lessley, and her brother, James.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a Funeral Service beginning at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Angelcrest Cemetery, Valparaiso. Memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Faith Missions.
GUESTBOOK
What a blessing to have an Aunt like Aunt Doris. So many wonderful memories of our Aunt 'Babushka' and Uncle Dale. Together, or separately, they were the perfect examples of virtue, laughter, faith, support & love of family. They were open arms to all. Selfishly, I want more time with them, but I know they are in a Heaven we can yet to fathom. Deepest sympathies to Randy, Robin, all of your family and to the extended families. Love, our niece and nephew, -Dianna & Bart (Overbey) Colvin
I am so sorry for your loss! I know that she was deeply loved, and I loved watching you come together as a family to support her and the memories you made. Her legacy lives on in you, and I love that she is reunited with your Dad/Grandpa. Sending you so much love from Oregon. -Malia Freeburg
My thoughts are with your family today. I wish I could have met Doris in person but I was lucky to hear so much about her through Robin and I always smiled, or got a laugh and always thought - what a fun human she is! Sending all of you hugs and prayers for today and everyday. -Corrie Cabral
