Laura Carter Overstreet passed away peacefully on October 7 in Marietta, GA where she lived with her parents, Heather and Mike Overstreet. Laura was born on February 2, 1980, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Savannah, Georgia. where her grandmother, Bernyce Overstreet, was head nurse of labor and delivery. 

 Laura graduated from Kennesaw State University (KSU) with a degree in Human Services. She was chosen outstanding senior for the department as well as outstanding senior for the University and was a Regent's Scholar for 2003. Laura went on to get a Master's Degree in Sociology from Georgia State University. She continued on to work with the GA Coalition to End Homelessness with dedication to underserved populations. Her most recent career was as an adjunct professor in the Human Services Department of KSU, a position she took a great deal of pride in performing. 

 At the age of 10, Laura contracted transverse myelitis resulting in paralysis. She spent parts of 1990 and '91 at the Shepherd Center where she learned skills to deal with her disability. She overcame many complications with her health and many physical challenges to live a remarkable life. 

 In her own recent words, "the past year has taught me so much about how disability changes as time passes. The past few months, and especially the past few weeks, have been jam packed with disability responsibilities, changes and challenges. At the same time, I have been blessed by family, friends and caregivers, allowing me to acknowledge gratitude and balance and comfort in chaos…I have many miles to travel, and I am faltering more than I'd like, but I'm working to remember the process is as important as the goal." 

 And that was Laura, a beacon through chaos, illuminating the power of gratitude even under unmeasurable stress and adversity. A constant advocate; for disability as a part of human diversity; for accessibility; for the LGBTQIA community; for the otherwise marginalized and oppressed; for self-accountability; for compassion; for hopeless romanticism; and most of all, for the power of love. 

 Laura attended Sacred Heart Catholic School, St. James Catholic School, and St. Vincent's Academy until the family moved to Marietta in 1995, where she graduated from Wheeler High School in 1998. 

 Laura is survived by her parents, Heather and Mike Overstreet; brothers, Mike Jr of Atlanta and Ed (Kayla) of Statesville, NC and her niece, Evelyn; Uncles, Jim (Regina) of Anna Maria Island, FL; Dan of Chicago, IL; Mark (Audrey) of Richmond Hill, GA; Tony (Gayle) of Fleming, GA; Cousin Barbara McCaskill (Mike) of Cross City, FL. 

 The family would like to remember especially her KSU Mentor Dr Ardith Peters; special therapists and friends Ruthie Fierman, Chris and Wayne Ferrer, Terisa Traylor and Kim Walker. Many thanks also to Laura's caregivers through the years. 

 There will be a funeral mass at  St Joseph's Catholic Church  in Marietta on October 27, 2022 at 10:00 AM, followed by a reception. On October 28, 2022 there will be a funeral mass at  Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church  in Savannah at 12:00 PM noon followed by inurnment at the Catholic Cemetery. A reception will follow at the home of Tom and Jane Madison. 

 In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Human Services Department of Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Rd Kennesaw, GA 30144,  The Shepherd Center  2020 Peachtree Rd Atlanta, GA 30309 or  Cool Girls, INC.  621 North Ave. NE Suite A220 Atlanta, GA 30308.