Eleanor Friar Overby

Eleanor Friar Overby, 75, of Summerville, South Carolina entered eternal rest Saturday, November 15, 2025. Her Funeral Service will be held November 21, 2025 in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Northwoods Chapel 2180 Greenridge Road at 1:00pm. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Carolina Memorial Park, 7113 Rivers Ave. in North Charleston.

Eleanor was born March 25, 1950, in Seneca, South Carolina, the daughter of the late Jesse Sloan Friar, Jr. and Myrtle Ritter Friar of Camden, South Carolina. At just four years old, she was stricken with polio. Despite many surgeries and long hospital stays, she showed remarkable resilience-a strength that became a defining trait of her life. Her early experiences in the medical world inspired her to become a nurse and dedicate herself to caring for others.

She graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina as a registered nurse in 1972. In 1975, Eleanor became one of the original nurses who helped open Trident Medical Center, where she worked until her retirement in 2012. She was deeply devoted to her patients and well-known for keeping doctors “on their toes.” Eleanor also served as a nursing instructor at Trident Technical College, shaping the next generation of caregivers. The impact of her mentorship was clear in her final days, as many medical professionals visited to share how “Mrs. Overby” had influenced their careers.

Eleanor’s life was deeply rooted in her Christian faith. A devoted member of Aldersgate Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women, she gave generously of her time and spirit-serving in circle groups, supporting outreach ministries, and embracing the fellowship of a meaningful pilgrimage to Israel. Her faith was not only practiced; it was lived with grace, compassion, and quiet conviction.

Eleanor had a quiet strength that extended naturally into her service and leadership. She spent many years as an assistant troop leader for her daughter’s Girl Scout troop and later helped with her granddaughter’s troop when she was able. Ever devoted to the tradition, Eleanor even sold cookies while living in assisted care, continuing to support the empowerment of young women.

Family was the heart of Eleanor’s life. As a teenager, she lovingly took her little sister and her best friend to the swimming pool and Tasty Freeze nearly every day, creating cherished memories of summer fun. As a wife, she stood faithfully by her husband’s side, supporting him in all his passions-from shooting sports to hunting pursuits-with unwavering encouragement and pride. Eleanor was a born hostess, and their home was always a gathering place for epic Christmas parties and a backyard Beaufort Bog anytime of the year.

As a mother, Eleanor poured her heart into raising her daughter, passing down her own fierce strength, unshakable independence, and just the right touch of stubbornness-gifts that shaped the woman her daughter would become. Eleanor’s greatest joy in life was being a grandmother. She cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren-whether basking in the sun at the beach, exploring the Spoleto Festival, wandering through flea markets and auctions, or spoiling them with homemade baked treats.

Eleanor was a fighter from the very beginning. Her determination knew no bounds-whether she was caring for patients with compassion or cheering proudly at her daughter’s horse shows, she showed up with strength and purpose. She once stopped a runaway horse at the fair using nothing but her walking cane. Throughout her life, Eleanor faced more surgeries than could be counted and triumphed over three different types of cancer. When the fourth diagnosis came, she met it with the same courage-but this time, she chose peace over battle. Her final chapter was written with grace, surrounded by love, and on her own terms.

She is survived by one daughter, Katherine Smith (Donnie) of Bonneau, SC; three grandchildren, Carter, Hunter and Addison Smith; three sisters, Jennie Friar Steen (Jack) of Blythewood, SC, Nancy Friar Montgomery (Bill) of Prosperity, SC, and Susie Friar Campbell (Michael), of Clemmons, NC; and one nephew, Tyler Clay Montgomery (Caitlyn) of Blacksburg, SC; and a plethora of cousins and other extended family and cherished friends.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband, James Monroe Overby. She joined him in heavenly glory exactly three years after his passing. We can only imagine the joyous reunion they are sharing.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Eleanor’s memory to Aldersgate United Methodist Church Food Bank Program, 1444 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC, 29406.

A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.