"Family Owned & Operated" is a phrase often associated with funeral homes, and it has been the mission of the Overton Family to provide the personal service and setting needed at a family's most difficult time since 1923.
ORIGINS
The Overton Funeral Home was founded in 1923 by Arthur “Doc” Overton in a house on Main Street across from Monell Avenue (now the site of Starbucks). Five years later "Doc" moved his business to the John King House at 140 Main Street (near the lumber yard) where it remained for six years. In 1934 the present venue was established on the Vivian Estate at 172 Main Street. The house itself originally was one of two on the Atwood Property, near the former H.G. Timmerman Estate (just north of Havemeyer’s Bayberry Point) on Ocean Avenue built in the early 1880s, before it was moved by barge across the creek to its current location. The living room served two purposes: as a chapel and as a family retreat. The family, needless to say, became quite skilled in furniture moving. In 1953, reflecting growing service to the community, the building was altered with living quarters being moved to the 2nd floor and three permanent chapels being established on the ground floor. Ten years later a wing was added, providing two additional large chapels and office space. Now five chapels are available to serve the families of Islip Township and surrounding areas. The home-like atmosphere, informal furniture arrangement, tasteful lighting and decor all combine to produce a pleasing ambiance. The funeral home is also well-known widely for the beauty of its grounds. Changes in the seasons can be identified by observing the profusion of flowers and shrubs skillfully and generously placed around the building and walks. In addition, seasonal flowers adorn the hallways.
FAMILY BUSINESS
The Overton Funeral Home also is a family operation. Arthur, the founder, a native of Patchogue, and Cornelia, born in West Sayville, were married in 1920 and three years later took Islip to their hearts. Many recall Art's exuberance and friendly humor as he moved about the hamlet. They had 3 children - Joyce, Shirley and Wayne. Shirley, a life long resident of Islip, and Fred Voss, raised in Bay Shore, married in 1949. In 1960 Fred began his career in funeral service and in 1968 became President and Manager until his retirement in 1986. Shirley, who passed away in 1994, was Secretary and Treasurer. Joyce, who died in 2008, has a son, Kent, who joined the business in 1975 and served as a funeral director until 1988 when he moved to Florida. Wayne, a former school administrator, became President and Manager upon Fred’s retirement. Fred passed away in 1998. Wayne’s wife, Lois, a nurse and special education teacher, joined the business in 1986 as a licensed funeral director. Lois retired in May 2003 and Wayne followed suit in December of the same year. Shirley’s daughter, Nancy Buehler, joined the firm in 1983 and serves as Vice President and is responsible for overall administration. Nancy’s son Eric joined the firm fulltime in September 2001, maintaining the family tradition. Eric took over the reigns of manager when Wayne retired. Robert Smith, a life long resident who joined the firm in 1970, is a licensed funeral director and is responsible for the firm’s embalming and preparation work. Michael Folks, a funeral director originally from Sayville, joined our staff in 1996 and has over twenty years of experience in the funeral business. Rounding out the professional staff is Chris Eccleston, another lifelong resident, who is a retired FDNY/EMS Paramedic Captain. Together they extend sincere concern for all who come to them. They talk with pride of "our families". Recently, the old Sullivan’s Bay Shore Funeral Home has become affiliated with Overton’s, further assisting the families that extend to the west of Islip.
