The Life of Sherl “The Pearl”

Sherl Denice Overton was born in Waxahachie, Texas to Tommie and Joel Davis.

Sherl graduated from Waxahachie High School in 1985 where she excelled academically and went on to secretarial school in Dallas, Texas. She held positions at Gay & Taylor, Inc. and Crum & Forster Commercial Insurance in Dallas before moving back to Waxahachie to exercise her servant leadership skills and roles at Dart Container, Tyler Refrigeration, Cardinal Glass, Americase, and JTEKT Automotive.

Sherl married the love of her life, Sammie Overton Jr. in 2003, and they made Waxahachie their permanent home. Sherl was a devout member of Emmanuel Upper Room COGIC where she was the personal secretary to Bishop Robert L. Davis. She served in the house of the Lord wherever she was needed. Sherl had a heart for people and enjoyed giving back to the community; from Back 2 School drives to Christian concerts and events (Soldiers for Christ). She also frequently filled the food pantry at her church.

In 2024, Sherl obtained her Associates Degree in Business from Navarro College, where she graduated with Honors. She enjoyed serving her family and bringing great joy to anyone in her presence. Sherl, our family “pearl” both beautiful, resilient, and truly one of a kind. She was a radiant gem who will be undoubtedly missed.

Sherl is preceded in death by her father Joel Davis and four siblings Michael Davis, Kenneth Washington, Christopher Davis, and Bill Frank Davis.

Sherl went home to be with the Lord on January 22, 2026, just two days after turning 59 years old. Sherl was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, friend, and Servant of Jesus Christ.

Sherl is survived by her husband Sammie Overton Jr.; sons Michael Veail (Jamishia) and Tyson Overton; bonus children Kateshia Overton, KraNeshia Overton, and Sammie Joe Overton III; mother Tommie Davis; mother-in-law Marilyn Smith; siblings Bridgela Davis, Kevin Davis (Barbara), Gregory Washington Sr., Ethel Green, Richard Davis, Laveatrice Shavon Eldridge, and Adrian Eldridge; grandchildren Ariyah, Amazyn, Aaliyah, Irie, Keelei, Zirianna, and Raigan; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.