Martha Byrd

1937 - 2021

Martha Byrd

April 15, 1937 - June 7, 2021

Mrs. Martha Purnell Byrd, 84, of Emporia, passed away on Monday, June 7, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry F. Byrd and brothers, Jerry Martin Purnell, Swanson Purnell and Ira Poteat Purnell.

Mrs. Byrd was a member of Faith Baptist Church. She had a strong work ethic and had worked at Dan River Mills in Danville before settling in Emporia where she worked at several jobs before using her home as a base for a thrift store selling home furnishings.

Mrs. Byrd is survived by her son, Harry F. Byrd Jr. (Tane Watson Byrd); grandson, William "Will" Watson Byrd; brothers, John Allen Purnell of San Antonio, Texas, Ollie Keith Purnell (Emily) of Roxboro, N.C., Ricky Gwynn Purnell of Elgin, S.C., and Pete Preston Purnell of Blanche, N.C.; sister, Clara Jean Purnell of Tight Squeeze, Va. and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia, where the funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 11, 2021. Entombment will follow at Greensville Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Faith Baptist Church, 951 W. Atlantic St., Emporia, VA 23847.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com.

Owen Funeral Home

P.O. Box 475, Jarratt, VA 23867