WINCHESTER, Feb. 2 – Dorothy Margaret Overcash, affectionately known as Miss “O” died Thursday, January 28, 2010 at the Winchester Medical Center. Miss Overcash was born March 9, 1926 in Hampden-Sydney, the daughter of the late Professor Hinton Baxter Overcash and Emma Ressler Overcash. She is preceded in death by her only sibling, Betty Overcash.

She is survived by her best friend, Eloise Strader, of Winchester; her most attentive cousin, Tracy and her husband, John Brew and their children, Grace Ann, Deacon, and Baxter all of Potomac, MD and many caring friends.

Miss “O” graduated from Worsham High School and received both Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees from Longwood College in Farmville. She taught mathematics, English and reading at Handley High School in Winchester from 1946-1977, at which time she became Supervisor of Secondary Education until her retirement in 1990.

During her tenure with the Winchester Public Schools, Miss “O” served in numerous capacities. She was the Principal's Alternate to the Executive Council from 1949 to 1955, co-sponsor of the Executive Council from 1955-1966; sponsor of the Junior Red Cross from 1965 to 1969; and co-sponsor of the Booster Club from 1969 to 1976. She was co-sponsor of the graduating classes of 1952 and 1957. In 1981 she received the Ancil Gray Award “For outstanding contributions to the ideals of the Judges Athletic Association.” Miss Overcash co-edited The Lengthened Shadow, a book about Dr. Garland R. Quarles, former Superintendent of Winchester Public Schools.

The Archives at John Handley High School exists today because Miss “O” realized the importance of preserving the history of the school. Through the year she safeguarded documents and memories related to the school, hoping that someday a permanent home for these artifacts would be established. During the seventy-fifth anniversary of the school in 1998, an Archives room was named for her.

In addition to being an educator, Miss Overcash was a lover of history and preservation; she was a Director Emeritus member of the Kernstown Battlefield Association. She knitted sweaters and hats for children and tended to her flower garden with enthusiasm. Her heart was warmed each time former students crossed her path and she could reconnect with them.

A funeral service was held February 1 at the Opequon Presbyterian Church in Kernstown, with Pastor David R. Witt officiating with Pastor Marcia W. Jaureguizar assisting. Burial will be held at a later date in College Church Cemetery at Hampden-Sydney College in Hampden-Sydney.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Handley High School Archives, Winchester Public Schools, P. O. Box 910, Winchester, VA 22604.

Online condolences may be made to

www.jonesfuneralhomes.com

Local arrangements by Puckett Funeral Home, Farmville.