Gay D. Overbey-Cole, a woman of flair and proud African ancestry, peacefully made her transition from this earthly dwelling to heavenly arms on September 30, 2026. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and strong community advocate, she leaves behind a legacy of love, vigor, and commitment to all who knew her.

Gay was born on December 28, 1957, at Mountainside Hospital in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, the eldest daughter of James Eddie Overbey and Lucille (Evans) Overbey.

A lifelong resident of Montclair, Gay took great pride in uplifting those around her.  She was active in local and county politics and held leadership roles with the Montclair Democrats, the National Council of Negro Women, the Montclair Parent Teacher Association, Montclair Women's  Community Circle, and Girl Scouts Troop #88.  She made it her business to empower and improve the lives of her community, her family, and her friends.

Her commitment to public service carried into her career.  She served as an aide to the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver during Oliver's years in the Assembly, and in late 2023, she joined the legislative team of Assemblywoman Alixon Collazos-Gill in the 27th District.  In 2019, she spoke up for her neighbors who were concerned that historic district designations would place a financial burden on homeowners, helping to protect the history of family homes and local African American landmarks such as the Montclair Women's Community Circle.

Gay was educated in the Montclair public schools and graduated from Montclair High School in 1976.  In September, she attended her 50th high school reunion, where, as always, she was outgoing, warmly received, and well-loved.

She completed business courses at Rutgers University, Montclair State University, Thomas Edison College, and Essex County College, as well as professional studies at the American Institute of Banking and the training required in her various positions.

Her career spanned the business, public, and social service sectors from 1979 until her passing.  She worked diligently at Bank of New York, Bankers Trust Company, MetLife, Montclair Grass Roots, and the Montclair Child Development Center, where she served for many years as Family Community Services Manager.

Gay leaves behind her beloved daughter, Asantiwaa; grandson, Jasiah; brother, James Overbey Jr; her nieces, Desiree, Taylor, and Tyler; and nephews, Robert and Aaron. She was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Simone Overbey; her grandparents, Eunis C. Overbey and Lee O. Nora Zeckle Royster Overbey Brown; her uncles, Charles Lynwood Overbey and Melvin Curtis Overbey, Sr.; and her aunts, Alice Pecolia Overbey and Brenda Brown Holland.   Gay will be terribly missed by a wide circle of close friends, relatives, and neighbors.