Diondre "Dre" Overton

Funeral Service Link

https://vimeo.com/1014455171/cc28c7eb53?share=copy

Diondre’ Marquez Overton transitioned from his earthly life to his eternal home at the youthful age of 26 on Saturday, September 7, 2024, in Greensboro, NC. Diondre’ was a beacon of light to all who knew him. Diondre’ “Dre,” as he was affectionately known to his family and friends, was born on April 19, 1998, in Greenville, NC, to his mother, Sandra (Bryan) Grace, and his father, Eric (Beatrice) Melton Jr. Sandra knew from the moment he was born—just two days after her birthday—that Diondre’ was a special child. 

Dre had a beautiful smile and was very obedient and easy-going. He was a bright and bubbly child who made an immediate impact on the community that helped raise him. Dre was easy to care for and had a great love for food. As a young child, mealtimes were a highlight for him, and he would often ask his grandma, Delores Overton, and aunt, Shaneka Norman Davis, what his next meal would be, even while eating the current one. When picked up after daycare by his bonus aunt, Tomekia Blackmon Silver, he would eagerly ask for his “MM Cup Cup.” This small detail of his life was a cherished part of the support system that helped shape Dre into the remarkable young man he became.

As he grew from a chubby baby into adulthood, Dre was surrounded by an ever-expanding circle of loved ones who continued to guide and support him. This extended network played a crucial role in shaping the wonderful person we all came to know and love so deeply. 

“Dre” was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Mary F. Sellers Grace, maternal grandfather, Sam B. Eaddy, paternal grandfather, Gary Melton Sr., maternal uncle, James "Mookie" Grace; maternal aunts, Rhonda “Gail” Grace and Angela Denise Grace, special friends, Nicholas Ellis and Josh Level.

Surviving relatives left to cherish his memory include his doting mother, Sandra Grace (Bryan) of the home; his father, Eric Melton (Beatrice) of Aberdeen, NC; three sisters, Kelsey Baldwin of Greensboro, NC, and Makayla Melton and Shamaria Melton, both of Aberdeen, NC; and four brothers, Montese Overton Jr. of Phoenix, AZ, Darrius Overton of Greensboro, NC, Eric Melton Jr. of Aberdeen, NC, and Dayland Melton of Aberdeen, NC.

Also surviving are his paternal grandmother, Jewel Melton of Aberdeen, NC, bonus maternal grandmother, Delores Overton of Creswell, NC and Lillie Baldwin of Greensboro, NC; bonus paternal grandparents Dwight Hill (Patricia) of Havre de Grace, MD and bonus maternal grandparents, Clifton Hearns (Dorothy) of Greensboro, NC; special aunts Brenda Grace of High Point, NC; Shaneka Norman Davis of Winterville, NC; Shaunt’e Payne of Aberdeen, NC; an aunt Melinda Bethea of Bennettsville, SC; and bonus aunts, Tomekia Blackmon Silver of Winterville, NC, Toni Baldwin McNair of Greensboro, NC and Tarnise Harrison of Fayetteville, NC.

He is also survived by four special uncles: Charles Grace (Willa) of High Point, NC; Gary Melton of Charlotte, NC; Gregory Melton of Aberdeen, NC; Derek Blount of Creswell, NC; Shawn (Denise) Blount of Roper, NC; Samuel (Tabatha) Rogers of Kernersville, NC, and Devon Blount of Suffolk, VA.

Dre is abundantly loved by all of his siblings and shares a special bond with each of them. He was the youngest of four children born to his biological mother and the oldest of five children born to his biological father. His older siblings—sister Kelsey Baldwin and brothers Montese Overton and Darrius Overton—were fierce protectors of their “baby brother.” They loved him with their whole hearts and often considered him spoiled but deserving, as he was well-mannered, intelligent, levelheaded, and obedient. They will deeply miss their little-big brother but will FOREVER hold him close in their hearts.

Dre’s younger siblings—brothers Eric Melton Jr. and Dayland Melton, and sisters Makayla Melton and Shamaria Melton—idolized their big brother. They looked up to him and cherished the opportunity to receive his love, guidance, and support. Although he will be forever missed, he will always be a beloved big brother.

Dre was raised in the church from an early age and never forgot that his help and strength came from the Lord. In 2018, he was baptized and rededicated his life to Christ. As a son, Dre was deeply loved by his parents, mother Sandra (Bryan) Grace and father Eric (Beatrice) Melton Jr., and he loved them dearly. He always followed their instructions faithfully and had an extraordinary bond with his mother. It was not uncommon to see Dre, standing 6'4" tall, leaning affectionately on his mother in the shopping center, much like a little kid. Dre loved his mother deeply and always dreamed of becoming famous so he could repay her for everything she had done for him (such as the 8th-grade Roy Williams Camp scholarship request). However, what he didn’t realize was that, in his mother’s eyes, he was already famous.

Dre was a loving and doting uncle to his special nieces Kamia Hilton and Gianna Overton, and special nephews Kai Baldwin and Kaire Williams. A big kid at heart, he enjoyed spending time with them, often playfully aggravating them while nurturing their growth. The love they have for “Uncle Dre” will remain in their lives as they share stories of him.

Dre was also a beloved nephew and cousin to many who loved and admired him. Throughout his athletic career, they supported him with encouragement and attended his games. None were more dedicated than his cousins Jonathan “Tanky” Braddy and Kim Johnson, who traveled the country with Dre and his family under any circumstances to cheer him on, establishing an unbreakable bond. His uncle Charles Grace was always available to offer sound advice and was immensely proud of Dre as a young man and student-athlete, frequently expressing his pride throughout Dre’s life. His aunt Brenda Grace always had a meal and a few jokes ready for him whenever he would visit. His surviving relatives and friends were proud of the young man he had become and enjoyed watching “Dre” succeed as an athlete and as a man throughout his life.

“Dre” became a bonus son and grandson to many positive adults in his life who took the time to love him as he loved them. He treated them and their homes like they belonged to him, often demonstrating this by inviting himself into their kitchens, where he could be found cooking his famous “cinnamon pancakes” and scrambled eggs. And to think that many of his bonus parents actually thought his food was good! “Dre” was protected by them, cared for by them, loved by them, and he will FOREVER be missed by them.