Cynthia "Sista Byrd" Johnson Byrd

On July 9, 2025, Cynthia Johnson Byrd, affectionately known as “Sista Byrd”, was peacefully called home to be with the Lord at her residence. She was born on June 15, 1962, to the late Benjamin F. Johnson, Jr. and Marion Marie Johnson.

Cynthia was educated in Petersburg Public Schools. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandmother, Mamie Johnson Williams; father-in-law, Joseph C. Byrd; one aunt, Sandra Mason; three brothers, Kermit Johnson, Benjamin C. Johnson and Timothy Johnson; and two brothers-in -love, Timothy Byrd and Gregory Byrd.

Cynthia lived a beautiful life filled with joy, love, laughter. She was epitome of strength, endurance, and wisdom. Cynthia was dedicated and hardworking, devoting 42 years to patient care at Hopewell Convalescent Center, Southside Virginia Training Center, Concordia Health Care, Petersburg Home for the Ladies, and TLC, just to name a few.

Cynthia was well known for showing genuine love to every person she met. From a warm embrace to a gentle hug, there wasn't a room she entered where she left as a stranger.  Sista Byrd was a true fashionista-always coordinated from head to toe, with a matching hat, lipstick, shades, and scarf to complete every look. Her style was as bold and unforgettable as her spirit. Her daughter Tiffany called her the "Black Martha Stewart" because Sista Byrd had a magical touch for creativity. She was known for her beautifully customized flowerpots, handcrafted wreaths, festive holiday decorations for her grandchildren, and her delicious homemade cooking that brought comfort and joy to everyone she loved.

Family was everything to Sista Byrd. She adored her children, grandchildren, and friends with a deep and unwavering love. She had a gift for storytelling that could make you laugh until your sides hurt. Her voice was unmistakable and commanding it could be heard from across the room. It wasn’t just her words, but her presence that lit up every space she entered.

Sista Byrd was one of a kind. There will never be another like her. She will forever be remembered for her famous sayings, “Byrd’s Nest,” “This is Sista BYRD,” “House of Lorrine”, words that still echo in the hearts of all who knew her. She was the greatest, and she will be deeply missed by everyone whose life she touched.

Cynthia leaves her cherished memories to her husband, Joseph G. “Choppa Byrd” Byrd; mother-in-love, Shirley P. Byrd; two sons, Dionco L. Byrd (daughter-in-love Leticia J Byrd) and Joseph C. Byrd (Ashley Givings); bonus son, Devon “Von-Von” Heath; one daughter, Tiffany M. Byrd (Charles Hobson); bonus daughter, Gurlena Byrd; three grandsons, Amir Dickerson, Kamarion Givings and Amari “Mane” Byrd-Smith; three granddaughters, Jada Byrd,  Jaylen “Baby J” Byrd and Amya “Bug” Byrd-Smith; brothers, Carlos D. Johnson and Antonio M. Johnson; sisters, Charmin J. Davis, Maurissa A. Johnson and Jewel B. Hinton; sisters-in-love, Cynthia “Penny” Lee (Jerry Lee), Audrey M. Byrd, Fredia Johnson and Frances Garnett; brother-in-love, Michael Davis; nieces, Monique and Wanda Garnett, Keisha Johnson, Brittney and Chanel Winston, Keyanna Ford, Andrea and Amia Davis and Jenell Hobbs; nephews,  Marcus Johnson, Barry Brown, Monrial Crews, Jordan Johnson, Adrian and Aaron Davis, and Messiah Johnson.

Devoted family and loved ones include: Kim Saunders, Marcelle Johnson, Elaine Edmonds-Batts, Kevin Wilson, Maryland, Gary, Jeffrey, Felicia, Al Jr., and Eric Mason. God sons Delmond Edmonds, Travis and Lyonell Harris, Aaron Heath; goddaughters, Ali Grissett and Ebony Dillard; fourteen great nieces and nephews; and a host of other cousins, relatives and friends.

Special thanks to: Neil Roney, the Hellum, Butcher, Goodrich, Edmonds, Ruffin, Bland Families, Lee Hall, 740, 5th Ward, BSU, Bunker Hill, 36 and last but not least, Delectable Heights Families.

Services will be held 12 Noon, Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 2223 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, VA, Bishop Jeffrey L. Reaves, Sr., Pastor/eulogist. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.