Bernice Byrd Obituary

Family-Placed Death Notice

BERNICE "BUNNY" BUREL BYRD On September 19, 2007 Bernice, "Bunny" Burel Byrd left this world to be at home with the Lord. Mrs. Byrd was a native of Atlanta and the daughter of A. J. Burel and Lorena Hollis Burel. She was the second of four sisters. Bernice was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Charles W. "Bill" Byrd and her beloved son Keith Burel Byrd. She is survived by her son Charles W. Byrd, Jr., her granddaughter Aisling Adair Byrd, her daughter-in-law Pegeen M. Byrd, sisters Martha Courson and Claudia Rainwater, and a large and loving extended family. A pioneer in business, Mrs. Byrd founded Executarial Services in 1967. Over 27 years she acted as President of her company and built Executarial into a successful executive suite operation with 5 offices in the north Atlanta Area. Herself a well known business woman in Decatur, she generously supported the work of other women seeking to succeed in the business world. Mrs. Byrd retired in 1994. Always a leader in her church and community, Bernice and her husband Bill shared the directorship of the Young Married Couples Sunday School Department at First Baptist Church of Atlanta for over 20 years. She was an example of kindness and strength to the many lives she touched and walked every day with her Lord. Known for her hospitality, loving heart, wonderful humor and generosity of spirit, Bunny was an inspiration to everyone around her. She left this life as she lived it with courage and grace. Her loss is keenly felt by all who knew her. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 21, 2007 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist of Atlanta. The body will lie in state at 10:00 AM. Rev. Bob Schipper officiating. Interment Arlington Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6 to 8:00 PM at Northside Chapel Funeral Directors and Crematory, Roswell 770-645-1414.

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Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Sep. 20, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernice Byrd

9 Entries

Richard and Helen Taylor

September 20, 2007

Charlie and Pegeen,
We have shared so many years of memories with Bill and Bernice...more than 30 years at Atlantic Steel, Inman Park Baptist, Bill was in our wedding, living in the duplex, years at FBA working with our beloved Single Adults which became their Young Marrieds...all moments we cherish. Your memories will also be treasures. You and the family are in our prayers.
We love you,
Richard and Helen Taylor

Ronnie and Marcia Banks

September 20, 2007

Charlie, Pegeen and Aisling,

We were so heartbroken to hear that Bernice had died. She was such a warm, gracious and dynamic woman, who touched hundreds of lives. Ronnie and I learned so much about marriage and parenting from Bill and Bernice -- and how to be a wonderful friend. When we began working with newlyweds at North Point, we felt like we had grown up to be them! Nothing could have been a higher aspiration. She will be greatly missed by so many. It is so hard to lose a parent or grandparent, and we know how you will be grieving. We love you and all our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Gene and Joyce Matthews

September 20, 2007

Charlie: We read in this morning's AJC about your Mom passing away. We have no doubt that she is now with her Lord, and her dear husband. We read they had worked with the young married couples for over 20 years at First Baptist. They worked with them long before that at Inman Park Baptist Church. Gene and I met at their home Christmas, 1956, at a fellowship after Sunday evening worship service. I was new to Inman Park and Gene was a long-time member. I remember we had such a good time. Then, June 21, 1957 Gene and I were married and your dad was a groomsman in our wedding (now over 50 years!). We have many fond memories of sweet times with them - your Mom always gracious, pleasant, willing to listen to everything one had to say as if that conversation was the most important to her. I can never remember a time when she was not fully supportive of your Dad. Although we didn't see them often, we never forgot them - they were our dear friends in the Lord. All of us have an empty place in our hearts. I'm sure it is great for you and your family. We hope you will reflect on their lives as a guide for your life. We will be praying for you. You have assurance that they lived their lives to the fullest for God.
In Christian Love,
Gene and Joyce Matthews

Jim and Kaye Hall

September 20, 2007

When we think of Bill and Bernice we think of love, laughter and "fellowship." They were the model of a happy and successful marriage to many young couples.We are grateful they that invested their lives in our early married years.Our condolences to the family.

Jon & Laura Calbert

September 20, 2007

Bernice was our Young Married director at First Baptist Atlanta. Always the party girl, she joyfully attended more than her share of baby showers. She influenced and encouraged many young wives and mothers. Please accept our condolences.

Sara& Richard McEvoy

September 20, 2007

To the Family of Bunny,

Bunny was great Mom, sister, aunt and friend and I had the pleasure of knowing her for over 20 years. She was always gracious and generous when I was with her. Bunny will be missed by everyone.

With Deepest Sympathy,
Richard & Sara McEvoy

Mike & Stevi Paticchio

September 20, 2007

Bill and Bernice were such a blessing to us when we were in the young married department. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. It is comforting to think that they now are reunited.

Lou Ann and Frank Drewry

September 20, 2007

As two who benefited greatly from Bernice and Bill's unconditional love and acceptance, generosity, and modeling of a Godly marriage, we are deeply saddened. Thank you, Bunny, for your love and grace, your hospitality, and showing us that His grace is sufficient.

Staff of Northside Chapel Funeral Directors, Inc.

September 20, 2007

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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