Beverly Jean (Overall) Thompson's Obituary
Thompson, Beverly Jean (Overall), May 26, 1928 – August 29, 2017
Beverly Jean Overall Thompson of Whites Creek, Tennessee, and formerly of Murfreesboro Tennessee, (the community of Dilton), passed away on August 29th at the age of 89. Born May 26, 1928, her parents were the late Cannon Justiss Overall and Mary Virginia Bock Overall. She was preceded in death in 2014 by her husband, William (Bill) Herman Thompson, Jr., a Nashville and Whites Creek businessman and cattleman, who along with Jean, developed the Cherry Grove and Ole Orchard subdivisions in Whites Creek.
After graduating from Murfreesboro Central High School in 1947 as a member of the National Honor Society and a guard on the basketball team, she attended David Lipscomb College (now Lipscomb University), where she was elected Student Body secretary and was active in play presentations. She graduated in 1951 and then earned a Master of Arts degree from Northwestern University, with a focus in drama.
Following their marriage in 1953, the Thompsons took residence at Whites Creek, where they would reside their entire married life. Mrs. Thompson began a thirty-year career of teaching English literature and composition at David Lipscomb College, also directing play productions there for a short period of time, which was a highlight. Always yearning for a wide variety of knowledge, she furthered her education with a period of study at Worcester College at Oxford University, and later enjoyed enrolling in a real estate class and finance class.
After her teaching career, and with a newfound floral interest, it was a natural that Mrs. Thompson became actively engaged in the Whites Creek Country Homes Garden Club, where she served as an officer and four term president. This interest led her to serve as an accredited flower show judge. She was a life member of the Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs, Deep South Garden Club, and the National Garden Club, serving on the Board of Directors for each. Additionally, as an active Nashville community participant, Mrs. Thompson served on the Metro Beautification & Environment Commission, and was named Volunteer of the Year by that Commission. She was also a member of the Nashville CABLE organization.
Mrs. Thompson was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ, serving as a Sunday School teacher and assisting in many worthy causes, with her enduring faith serving her well. She most recently worshiped with the Goodlettsville Church of Christ.
Closest surviving relatives include sister, Mayme Overall Huff; niece, Linda (Thompson) Jarrett and her children Josh (Erin) Jarrett, and Jordan Anderson (Scott) and their two children; nephew Stephen (Lisa) Huff and children Matthew (Melissa) Huff and Kristen Huff; and nephew David O. (Jan) Huff; niece Melody Bock Wimble(Gary) and their children Chase and Spencer; and cousins John (Jean) Hill and children Adam (Amy) Hill and Melissa (Matt Brown) and children, and cousin Mildred Espy.
The family expresses appreciation to Dorthey Kaiss, who was of faithful assistance to Mrs. Thompson in many ways during the latter phase of her life; to Mary Trice, for her constant devotion and friendship; and special appreciation to the caring 4th floor staff at Richland Place Health Center where she established and fostered many enjoyable relationships. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. If desired, memorial contributions in her honor may be made to the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief or Healing Hands International.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 3, 2017 from 1pm-4pm and 1 hour prior to service time. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 4, 2017 at 11am in the Chapel at Spring Hill Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Historic Spring Hill Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by viewing SpringhillFH.com.
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