Shirley Polly Overstreet
Brunswick, Georgia – 1936–2025

Shirley Polly Overstreet, 89, of Brunswick, Georgia, passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday, September 20, 2025, with her children by her side.

Born in Brunswick to Mary Lucille Drury and William Leighton Drury, Polly was the eldest of her siblings and naturally became the matriarch of her family.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Wade Jennings Overstreet, and by her sisters, Carol Kirkland and Elaine Henderson and brother, Gene McNeil Drury. She is survived by her children, Melissa Wellford of St. Simons Island and Brad Overstreet of Brunswick; her grandchildren, Catherine and Chris McDougald; her honorary daughter, Eileen Mogan; her sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Roy Butler; brother-in-law Roy Henderson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Polly lived a life of devotion—to her family, to her patients, to her friends, and most of all, to her Lord. After graduating from St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing in September 1957, she began her career as the first registered nurse in the newborn nursery. She later served for 27 years with Dr. Smith of Brunswick, where she became affectionately known as "Nurse Polly," caring for generations of Glynn County families with her steady hands and compassionate heart.

Beyond her nursing career, Polly was a faithful servant to her church and community. For more than 30 years she ministered through handwritten cards, sending notes of encouragement, congratulations, and sympathy to members of Pine Ridge Baptist Church. Her small acts of kindness touched countless lives and reflected her steadfast faith.

She was also a joyful adventurer. With her husband and lifelong friends, Paul and Margie Flowers, she traveled far and wide—her favorite journey being a drive all the way from Brunswick to Alaska. Her family always awaited her return with eagerness, ready to hear her stories filled with wonder and laughter.

Of all her roles in life, she was most proud to be a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She loved her family fiercely, her church faithfully, and her friends wholeheartedly. She embodied Proverbs 31 and lived as a true "good and faithful servant."

Polly said it best, "You may have heard me say I don't want to meet Jesus and my bucket not have much in it. I know there's not much in my bucket, but I'll keep working—and it still won't be much compared to His dying on the cross for me."

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Pine Ridge Baptist Church led by Rev. Bill Alderman. In honor of Polly, the family requests that guests wear "Polly Pink," her favorite color. In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Pine Ridge Baptist or Hospice of the Golden Isles.