Ms. Ja'Net Overton- Sligh

Died 04/25/2021

Obituary For Ms. Ja'Net Overton- Sligh

Ja’Net Overton Sligh died Sunday, April 25, 2021. Viewing 1:00-4:30 pm on Sunday, May 2, 2021 at Saint Philip AME Church. Celebration of Life will be private at Grissom-Clark Funeral Home. Interment will be 11:00 am Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Beechwood Cemetery 3300 Fayetteville Street Durham, N.C.

Mary Janet Overton Sligh was born on June 12, 1948 in Elizabeth City, NC. She was the third child of Anthony Ashley Overton and Annie Bell Overton. Her parents and older brother, Benjamin Frederick Overton, preceded her in death. Our beloved Janet peacefully entered eternal rest on April 25, 2021 at the age of 72. Janet attended Pasquotank County Elementary, and P.W. Moore High School in Elizabeth City and graduated from Hillside High School in Durham, NC. After graduating from North Carolina Central University in Durham with a Bachelor of Science, Janet continued at the university and obtained her M.Ed. She subsequently began her teaching career in Wilson and then in Apex NC. After moving to Atlanta in 1986, Janet was a Special Education teacher at Columbia High School (Decatur) where she was chosen Teacher of the Year in 2001.

“Sligh”, as she was affectionately called by her Saint Philip family, was a faithful member of many organizations including the Christian Education Ministry. Her love of music was reflected in her membership in the Sanctuary Choir, the Morning Praise, the Chancel Choir and the SPC Mass Choir. Janet was dedicated to serving the people of God and did so in the Nettie Lewis Moore Unit of the Women’s Missionary Society, the Greeters Ministry, the Trustee Board, and the SPC Bookstore. Because she loved working with the youth, she coordinated and directed Vacation Bible School for over 20 years as well as annual Youth Oratorical Contests during Black History Month. She volunteered for our annual S.T.E.M.S Career Fairs, and founded the Rites of Passage program for Girls. Janet served as a temporary Director SPC Child Development Center. She volunteered at the Food Pantry and as the bus driver for the SPC Dance Ministry. In addition, Sligh was a charter member of SPC Toastmasters and president of the Seniors and Retirees Group.

Sligh was an invaluable member of the educational community and her church as well as a friend to many. She will be greatly missed. Janet is survived by her sister, Sylvia Richardson, Durham NC; her brother, Ret. Sgt. Alvan Overton (Kathleen) Elizabeth City, NC; sister-in-law, Mary Overton, Atlanta GA; special nephews/“sons” William and Rodney Richardson; 6 nephews, 2 nieces, 9 great-nephews, 7 great-nieces and Peyton, her goddaughter.

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