[1][2] She was the youngest of three children born to Edward and Margaret Elizabeth Bonar Wilkinson, and received her elementary and high school education in Geyserville.
[1] Between 1929 and 1930, she pursued graduate studies in psychology at Columbia University, New York City, and received her master's degree in 1931.
[4] In 1932, she married Harry Allen Overstreet, then head of the Department of Philosophy and Psychology at the City College of New York.
[4] Alongside her husband, Bonaro Overstreet lectured on adult education, mental health, social psychology, and political philosophy.
[4] In a 1956 interview, the Overstreets described themselves as "middlemen and itinerant lecturers", helping to translate the ideas of psychologists and scientists into language and concepts applicable to everyday life.
[4] The couple were known as "outspoken defenders of civil liberties and academic freedom", and co-wrote works including The Mind Alive, Leaders for Adult Education, What We Must Know About Communism, and The Strange Tactics of Extremism.