Dorothy B. Easter

Dorothy Byrd was introduced to the world on February 26th, 1946, in Chicago, IL. She was the third of six children born to the late Cleo and Robert L. Byrd Sr. Robert Jr came first, followed by Deliah (both preceded Dorothy in death). Dorothy came next, followed by Warren, Mildred and Stephanie.
Dorothy was baptized at an early age and received Christian guidance under the leadership of Reverend Slater. She continued her faith throughout her life, attending services at Mount Olive Christian Ministries in Hartford, CT, and returning to Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Jimmy L. Daniels after coming home. Dorothy later joined her sister Deliah's church, Logos Outreach Ministries where she attended until COVID.
Dorothy attended Argo School (Wharton) for elementary and later, Argo High School. She was very active in high school sports and enjoyed cheerleading, softball, and basketball. After high school, Dorothy held various positions in different industries, which included department store work at Spiegel and Montgomery Ward, and bank teller at Argo Bank. Dorothy found her lifelong career position at Travelers Insurance Company, where she retired after 37 years of service.
In November of 1963, Dorothy married Edward W. Easter Jr. To this union, their two beloved children August Antionette Easter and Edward Denard Easter were born. Both of her beautiful children preceded her in death. In 1987, Dorothy accepted a job transfer to Hartford Connecticut, where she lived and worked for 13 years. While in Connecticut, she was very active in adult sports leagues, including softball, volleyball, and bowling.
Dorothy had a zest for life and enjoyed many activities. When at home, you could find her watching a cowboy picture, doing a word search puzzle, or playing solitaire on her phone. She liked to read, travel, explore new places, and Dorothy loved music. Her favorite artists were Peabo Bryson and CeeCee Winans.
Upon returning home to care for her father, Dorothy also engaged in community service. She was a founding member of the Yes, I Can and ACE programs sponsored by Pillars, under the leadership of Bertha Jackson. These programs served the community's youth with academic and financial support, sponsored cultural diversity events, and various field trips. Dorothy considered education a high priority and as such, she became a partner for the financial support of the second phase of The Field School in the Austin community. She was blessed to be able to attend the open house of this project in August.
Dorothy was a cheerful philanthropist, often contributing to the Brookfield Zoo, the Shedd Aquarium, and various other charitable organizations. She supported her nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends' children with their fundraisers and in her early years attended their events and milestone accomplishments.
After a valiant battle, Dorothy was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 21st, 2025. Her memory will be cherished by her granddaughter Nicole (Justin) Carrell, Great Granddaughters Isabelle Carrell and Charlotte Carrell, Brother Warren Byrd, Sisters Mildred Byrd Davis and Stephanie Byrd, Sister-in-law Rhonda Byrd (Bob), Goddaughter Kushita Stokes, Special Cousins/Friends Marsha Stokes Alexander (Dale) and Thomas Wells (Anna), special caregivers Janice Harvey, Elsie and Prentis Speech, Cousin Dwight Kyles and Penneliva Hill, Good friends Estherlyn Maymon, Robinson Alabama family, the Logos Family, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral Visitation will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hursen Funeral Home & Crematory, 4001 W Roosevelt Road, Hillside, Illinois 60162
Saturday, Lying In-State from 9:30 am until time of service 10:00 am at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 7661 W 63rd Street, Summit, Illinois 60501.
Entombment Lincoln Cemetery, Chicago.