COLUMBIA - Gertrude Elizabeth Overholt Seibels, the widow of Edwin Grenville Seibels, II, died October 6, 2021. Born in Pittsburgh in 1934 and raised in Scottdale, PA, she was the only child of the late Henry Vinton Overholt and Elma Esther Binns Overholt, a union of two members of pioneer families of southwestern PA. She graduated cum laude from Emma Willard School. Her Baccalaureate degree in Architectural History was granted by Vassar College. She completed three years of post-graduate work at Yale University School of Architecture, where she studied architectural design under Louis I. Kahn and Philip Johnson and drawing under Josef Albers.
She participated in the practice of architecture in Columbia with various small firms for a period of some 35 years and did specialized work as an historic architectural consultant. She was instrumental in the research, writing and production of "Chester, SC: A Preservation Planning Report" and "Columbia's Commercial Heritage: An Inventory and Evaluation of Older Commercial Buildings in the City Center" for the S.C. Department of Archives & History and the respective cities. She collaborated with her husband in the production of his books, acting as editor, graphic designer and illustrator.
As designated Architectural Historian, she was a member of the City of Columbia's Design/ Development Review Commission for several years. She also helped the Elmwood Park Neighborhood Association with their annual Tour of Homes and Gardens and in writing grant applications.
Professional national memberships included the American Institute of Architects, the Society of Architectural Historians, the Society of Industrial Archaeology, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. She contributed extensive work as a volunteer and consultant to these and other local and national organizations, including the Soaring Society of America, The American Orchid Society, and the South Carolina chapter of The Nature Conservancy.
Her survivors include her daughter, Dr. Torrence Knower Stockard, by her first marriage to Henry DuBarry Knower; her stepchildren, Lavinia S. Dowling, Robert E. Seibels, and E. Grenville Seibels, III; and their respective children and grandchildren.
A virtual service is being planned at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 6, 2022. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. For further details, visit her page at www.dunbarfunerals.com
In her remembrance, please contribute to a charity of one’s choice.
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