Karen Overstreet Simpson

Karen Overstreet Simpson, born September 5, 1954, passed away on March 10, 2026, at the age of 71. She was preceded in death by her son, Wesley Reader; her parents, Obediah and Anita Overstreet; her brother, Mark Overstreet; and her nephews, Judson Lowe and Noah Overstreet.

A graduate of William Fleming High School, Karen was deeply involved in music from an early age. She sang in the school choir under director June C. Webb and the Oakland Baptist Youth Choir under director Ralph Logan, participating in their traveling ministry. As a teenager, she performed in a small folk group with her sisters and friends Jan and Rebecca, fondly known as “Jan, Me and the Overstreet’s Three.” In adulthood, she continued to express her love of music by writing songs and performing at the 3rd Street Coffee House alongside friends.

Karen’s greatest devotion was to her only son, Wesley, who was the center of her world. She shared a particularly close bond with the family of her twin sister Sharon and brother-in-law Carl. Their children, Sarah and Judson, were like siblings to Wesley, and Karen was a second mother to them. She cherished her close-knit family and was remembered by all for her love, kindness, patience, and bravery. Those who knew her find comfort knowing she is now reunited with her loved ones in Heaven, and they will carry her memory until they meet again.

She is survived by her sisters, Sharon Lowe (Carl) and Denise Woodard (Don); her brothers, Alvin Overstreet (Regina) and Tim Overstreet (Melissa); nieces Sarah Lowe, Caitlin, Kelsey and Olivia Overstreet, Kyleen Overstreet Ferguson, and Adrienne Grace Brookman; and nephews Matthew, Aaron, Jonathan and Stuart Woodard, and Brayden and Jonah Overstreet.