Carol Overstreet Lee

Carol Overstreet Lee of Forest passed away surrounded by loved ones on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Lynchburg General Hospital, at the age of 83. Born on June 11, 1942, in Huntington, WV, she was the daughter of the late Maurice Gank Overstreet and the late Ralphine Coffey Overstreet. She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Harold Clark Lee and her daughter Elizabeth Hope Lee. She is survived by her sister Anne Gerhardt (Tom) of Lynchburg; her daughter Melissa Mitchell of Pfafftown, NC; and two sons, Jonathan Lee and Carter Lee both of Forest. Also surviving her are two grandchildren Amber Harris (Lee) of Pfafftown, NC, Jordan Mitchell (Ethan Grooms) of Winston-Salem, NC; two great-grandchildren, Christian and Chloe Harris and special cousin, Donna Harman Templeton.

Carol graduated from New London Academy in 1960 and Lynchburg College in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Her degree served her well throughout her life as she played piano for countless events and directed choirs including Sweet Adelines and Bethany Methodist Church.

She was a devoted member of Bethany Methodist Church and dedicated time every day to many activities going on at the Church including preparing to play the piano every Sunday and directing the choir.

She was a sixth grade teacher for Bedford County Schools including New London Academy and Forest Middle School. She taught History and English to many of you reading this and enjoyed her teaching career very much.

She traveled the world including the Holy Land, an African safari, and many places in Europe. Her favorites were Yellowstone and Yosemite. She took these trips with her family and many great friends.

She was a leader in the Church, the community, and any other activity she participated in serving on many boards of directors. She had the courage and spirit to make tough decisions.

These are just a few things about her but most of all she was a kind, selfless, and generous person who was a great mother, wife, grandmother, teacher, and friend to everyone she met whether she had known you forever or just met you.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Bethany Methodist Church with visitation at 1 p.m., a service at 2 p.m. with Rev. Phil Showers and Rev. Dr. H.O. Tom Thomas presiding, and interment following at Virginia Memorial Park. After interment a reception will be held at Bethany’s fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bethany Methodist Church, P.O. Box 12, Forest, VA 24551.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family. To send online condolences please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.