(Velma) Jean Overdorf Thornton

(Velma) Jean Overdorf Thornton, 86,  Tipton, peacefully passed away at 2:05 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at the St. Joseph Center in Tipton.  Born on December 11, 1922, she was the daughter of Walter C. & Emma (Hunt) Overdorf. She was a graduate of Tipton High School, a member of East Union Christian Church and Tipton County Historical Society, and a lifelong resident of Tipton County.  On May 23, 1941 she married Garnet E. Thornton and he preceded her in death on August 2, 2006.  She was an inspiration to all who knew her as she shared her philosophy for living life "one day at a time."

Jean’s life was devoted to her family and friends and her love of music.  A self-taught musician, she composed several songs, including My Dad and Prayer For Mother’s Day.  In 1979, she was an honored guest at the National Mother’s Day Shrine in Grafton, West Virginia when her music was used as a solo at the Shrine.  She also wrote poetry and published 2 books, The Overdorf’s of the Devil’s Den which recounts the 100 year old history of her family in Tipton County, and For The Love Of Mike in honor of her late Great Nephew, Mike Cowan.

She is survived by two daughters, Linda J. Foster (Dr. Cletis), Zionsville, and Susan D. Wall (Mike) Dawsonville, Georgia, and a son Robert M. Thornton (Donna), Lakeland, Florida.  Also surviving are grandchildren, Jennifer L. Gaither (Chad), Christopher R. Foster,  Matthew C. Wall, Emily D. Wall, Austin Jones, Dylan Jones, and great grandchildren, Holyn E. Gaither and Brady M. Gaither, many nieces, nephews, and extended family, and her “adopted” family at St. Joseph Center.  She was preceded in death by a sister, Fern Sweet, and three brothers, Clyde, George and Richard Overdorf.

Her funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 28 at East Union Christian Church with Rev. Rex Dunning presiding.  Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Tipton.  Visitation will be from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Friday at Young-Nichols Funeral Home, 216 W. Jefferson St, Tipton and 10:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, Illinois, 60674.