MICHAEL OVERSTREET

 

Michael Thomas Overstreet of Astoria, Queens was born on May 28, 1961 in Martinez, California to the late Geraldine Baroni. Michael lived life passionately and accomplished a significant amount in his life time.

 

After attending high school in Martinez, he joined the United States Army, stationed in Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. It was there that he discovered his passion for acting and dancing and upon returning to California, studied drama at Santa Monica College. He continued to hone his acting and dancing skills and opened his first business, Overstreet LA, a car detail shop.

 

While living in LA, he found his calling to the ministry and began studying theology. He attracted hundreds of people around him as he delivered sermons at Preacher’s Corner near UCLA. He became deacon of a small church in Englewood, CA and around this time, he met his then wife, Jill Overstreet. Shortly thereafter, they moved back to the San Francisco Bay Area to be close to Michael’s family and his roots. He studied at Grace Bible Church in Pleasant Hill, CA under several pastors and became ordained. He went on to become the interim pastor at a church in Pittsburg, CA. During this time, the brightest joy of Michael’s life, Justin Overstreet (aka, my boy, as Michael lovingly referred to him) was born.

 

Shortly after Justin’s birth, Michael and Jill moved to Raleigh, NC to be close to her family. He opened another detail shop, Beverly Hills Detail and began to pursue another passion, music. He wrote and produced his own album during this time and eventually moved to New York to pursue his dreams of acting, dancing and music full time. While in NYC, he produced, wrote, directed and starred in Vampires of Astoria. He also worked hard on taking his singing to the next level. You could often find Michael performing to an engaged crowd at The Sugar Bar, Café Wah, Village Underground, Lenox Lounge, Rustik’s and more. Michael was a proud featured artist at BrownstoneJAZZ, Banana Puddin’ Jazz, and the Fort Greene Park Jazz Festival. While in NY he had various jobs including working for John Scotto, Macy’s, Bloomingdale's and so uch more. He had a successful vending business in NYC selling jewelry on 5th Ave.

 

Michael was a huge life force and he will not be forgotten by those who knew him. He will be lovingly remembered for his huge heart and all the joy he brought into the lives of many. He is survived by his son, Justin Overstreet, brother, Ricky Eidson, sisters, Karen Overstreet & Deborah Overstreet Liddiard and a much beloved extended family.

 

The family would like to give special thanks to Michael’s close friends Sheryl Renee and Debbie McClain, landlord Mira Runko and special friend Andrea Millar for all of their support during this difficult time. Thank you to all who loved and supported Michael during his journey.