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Lillian Byrd Obituary
Mrs. Byrd 73 of Pearl, MS died Thursday, June 25, 2009, at UMC in Jackson.
Sweetpea as she was known was born August 5, 1935 In Meridian, MS to E.K. and Frances Holbrook Martin. She loved to dance, walk, tend to her plants, spend valuable time with family and friends, watch baseball and greet everyone with her wonderful sweetpea smile. She was employed with Boyte Honda and worked until Wednesday of this week.
A celebration of life service will be held Sunday, June 28, 2009, at 2 p.m. in Pearl United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her children, daughters, Kathy West (Don), Charlotte Golloway (Sunny); sons, Chuck Byrd (Sandra) and Phillip Byrd; brothers, David Lucky and Wallace Lucky (Aline); grandchildren, Katie Diggs (Wyn), Sunni Kate Moore (Jared), Sharon Bennett (Brett), Ronnie Abney, Taylor Golloway, Stephen Byrd, Callen Golloway; great grandchildren, Colston Bennett and Brooke Gowan; and her dog, Precious.
Pallbearers are Don West, Wyn Diggs, Sunny Golloway, Bret Bennett and Jared Moore. Honorary Pallbearers are Joe Usry, Dewey Porter, Senior Players of 2008 Pearl Baseball team, Judge Thomas Zebert, Ben Sills, Terry Plummer, Richard Peden and New beginning Sunday School Class.
Special thanks goes to Christina, Fay and the MICU medical staff of the UMC.
Stephens F.H in Meridian 601-483-2206.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lillian Byrd
Edna Earle Crews
July 25, 2009
I only knew Sweet Pea as the receptionist at Boyte Honda, but knowing her was a blessing to me. She was also so gracious, so pleased to see me. I know her family will miss her sweet smile and happy personality so much.
Gina Britt
July 21, 2009
Mrs. Byrd was such a great lady. She always had a beautiful smile and a kind word for everyone. She will be missed by all the people whose lives she touched.
July 5, 2009
I got the news late of the passing of one of the "most" delightful,warm and sweetest ladies I have ever know. Her nickname was most fitting. She will be greatly missed and hard to replace. Heaven surely recieved an angel..... I will cherish her memories and warm smile.
mike boyte
June 30, 2009
we loss a great lady
Tony Axton
June 30, 2009
I am so sad at the loss of one of the most precious ladies I have had the pleasure to meet, know and work with. She could light up a building with her sweet personality and smile. I will cherish the fond memories of her.
Jeff (Bama) and Anita Heath
June 29, 2009
Kathy & Family,
Jeff and I are so saddened by the loss of your mother. Please know we are thinking about you.
SHIRLEY & JAKE RICHARDSON
June 29, 2009
SWEETPEA WAS JUST AWESOME. SHE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE AND GOOD WORD FOR EVERYONE.
OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY.
Alan Moak
June 29, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate the life of Sweetpea today. Regardless of what Sweetpea faced, she was always positive in her approach to her work. Everyone could feel her enthusiasm and care through how she answered and talked on the phone. She had an impact on people that interacted with her. We will always have the fondest memories of our time working with her.
Bob Dingus
June 28, 2009
Sweepea was a person that to have known her brings a smile to your face ..her smile, her enthusiasm for life, and her genuine caring for the many people whose lives she touched were truly blessed. Her memory will be with me forever.
The Baileys
June 28, 2009
I first met Granny Pea through Chuck and Sandra Byrd. My oldest son (then 6 at the time) became friends with Stephen and they became inseperable. Granny instantly became my sons "adoptive" Grandmother! She was so good to him and he adored her from the day that he met her! There's a group of these boys that have stayed together since they were 6 and 7 years old and still remain together to this day after graduating and going to college! She has made such an impact on the lives of these boys! They knew each time they were on that baseball field that she would ALWAYS be there cheering them on! It was amazing to watch them all turn just to make sure that she was there! I know so many of the boys in this group feel like they have lost "their" Grandmother and will surely miss her always but will NEVER forget her!!
She was there for just as many of us as she was for the kids! Every time I spoke with her I felt as though I was talking to a SAINT!!! She has given me lots of advice through the years and recently gave me some that has helped me get through just everyday life!!
Not only has the family suffered a deep loss but the world has as well!
My prayers are with each and every one of her family members. I know that God will find a way to guide you all through this!
We love you all,
The Baileys
Clancy Walker
June 27, 2009
Miss Sweetpea was the most wonderful lady I have ever had the pleasure of knowing..I worked with her for around 6 months at Boyte/Usry Honda and she became like a mother to me. We had lunch together almost everyday. She always had a wonderful smile and caring word for everyone. She was the type person who made an impact on every life she touched.. What a wonderful world this would be if we had more Sweetpea's.
Heaven has added a special angel..
John Via
June 27, 2009
No one who knew her surely could ever forget her impish, infectious smile. She was a jewel. As a member of the class of 1955, while she was 1954, I was delighted she stayed at MJC!
Martin McKinnon
June 27, 2009
I will always remember you from Miss Cora Morton's Latin Class at Kate Griffin Jr High. You were always the best.
Martha Carol Brooks
June 27, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during your time of loss. May GOD bless you and your family. Martha Carol (Doerner) Brooks
Jack Davis
June 27, 2009
I have not seen nor heard from Sweetpea since high school days but she was that special kind of person that makes an impression that you carry with you throughout your entire life. She was unforgettable in life and she will be unforgettable for enternity. I'm so sorry for your loss.
June 27, 2009
I worked with Sweetpea for 8 years at Paul Moak on State St
Always a smile-she will be missed. Mona Neese
BEVERLY (GODWIN) DAVIDSON
June 27, 2009
KATHY AND CHARLOTTE,
WE WERE SORRY TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF YOUR MOTHER. YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. MAY GOD COMFORT YOU THROUGH THE DAYS AHEAD.
GOD BLESS,
BEVERLY (GODWIN) DAVIDSON
JOYCE (GODWIN) GRESSETT
BEVERLY (GODWIN) DAVIDSON
June 27, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Allen & Bobbye Lynn Lantz
June 27, 2009
Sweet Pea has been a dear friend since school days. She will be sadly missed.
Baby Ray Rainer Haguewood
June 27, 2009
I have lost a long time friend--from 2nd grade-- I am going to miss her so much. She was such a caring, loving person....always a smile and a happy word. She always made me feel better. My prayers are with her family.
Suzanne Spencer Ballard
June 27, 2009
I was so sorry to learn of Sweet Pea's death. We graduated from high school together and I will always remember her sweet smile and disposition. You have our love and prayer support.
Glenda Biles
June 27, 2009
To the Children of:
Sweet Pea will be truly missed. She was a wonderful neighbor. Always a kind word for everyone. I will miss her and Precious.
Rita Grice
June 27, 2009
I only knew her as "Sweetpea" at the Honda dealership, but she was a unique and loving individual. She will be greatly missed.
"Gee" Harrell
June 27, 2009
I was in the Meridian H.S. band with Sweetpea and saw her just last year. That was the first time I had seen her since she graduated. I will always remember her wonderful smile and personality. My prayers go out to her family and I'm sure she will be sorely missed. God is welcoming her with open arms.
"Gee" Harrell
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