Minnie Byers

Minnie Josetta Byers was born to Douglas Byers, Sr. and Mary Gertude Bell in Gaffney, SC on June 27, 1943. She remained there with her grandmother, great grandmother, and brother until age 2 when she moved to Brooklyn, NY where she was raised. Minnie was a fierce mother, a nurturing grandmother, devoted sister, and beloved friend. She was sincere, heartfelt, and direct. She was engaging with a voice and laugh that was often heard over everyone in the room. She never met a stranger.

Minnie loved sewing, carpentry, gardening, and shopping. She was an amazing mother but most importantly an awe-inspiring grandmother. The lessons, recipes, funny stories, colloquialisms, character, card tricks, and raw unfiltered love that she shared over the years echoes amongst her grand and great grandchildren near and far. They carry her in their speech, confidence, character, and integrity. Of this, she was most proud.

Minnie Byers was bold and veracious. One may not have always liked what she said or how, but it cannot be said that it was not true. She was a force of nature.

Minnie is preceded in death by her parents Douglas Byers Sr, Mary Doak, sisters Joanetta Green and Barbara Wheeler, former husband Abraham Frazer Jr, and grandson Philip Carlton Guilford.

She is survived by her 6 daughters: Yolanda Mock, Orie Frazer, Antoinette Frazer-Isaac, Ava Frazer, La Verne Frazer, and Shama Frazer. One sister and brother, Theodore Byers and Gloria Burke, 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild.