Ellen Davis Byrd

AHOSKIE - Ellen Davis Byrd, cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, in Ahoskie, North Carolina, at the age of 96. Born on November 13, 1928, in Conway, North Carolina, she lived a life devoted to family and community.
Ellen was a dedicated homemaker who lovingly cared for her daughters and played an instrumental role in the upbringing of her grandson Heath, and her great-grandsons, Dawson and Dalton Vann. Known for her warm heart and generous spirit, Ellen found immense joy in spending time with the children, often engaging in playful activities and sharing in their laughter.
A true Carolina fan, she held a deep passion for UNC basketball, cheering on her beloved team with enthusiasm. Her love extended beyond sports to family pets, as she took great care of "Smoke," Heath and Kelly's adventurous dog known for frequent escapades into town.
Ellen was a familiar face in her community, often visiting friends and family who lived nearby. Affectionately known as "MawMaw Byrd," she was a beloved member of Zion Methodist Church in Conway, North Carolina, where she found spiritual fulfillment and fellowship.
Preceded in death by her parents, Mary Archer Davis and Grover David Davis, Sr., her husband, Ronald Edward Byrd, and her son-in-law, Willard Keith Vann. She is also preceded in death by her brothers Grover Davis, Jr., and Waverly Davis; and sisters Maggie Lee Lassiter and Lynette Futrell.
Ellen leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. She is survived by her daughters, Ann Byrd Vann of Conway, North Carolina, and Susan Carol Byrd of Kinston, North Carolina; her grandson, Brian Heath Vann and his wife Kelly of Conway, North Carolina; and her great-grandsons, Dalton and Dawson Vann of Conway, North Carolina, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who will miss her dearly but will cherish her memory forever.
Services to honor Ellen's life will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, with visitation from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Garrett-Sykes Chapel in Rich Square, North Carolina. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at the same location. A private inurnment at Conway Cemetery, Conway, North Carolina will be at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to a place that held special meaning to Ellen, Caswell Developmental Center, 2415 W Vernon Ave, Kinston, NC 28504. Online donations can be made by clicking here
Ellen Davis Byrd will be remembered for her unwavering love, kindness, and the warmth she brought into the lives of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting garrettsykesfs.com. Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Rich Square is honored to be assisting the Byrd family during this time. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ellen Davis Byrd, please visit our floral store.