Frances "Marie" Byerly

Frances "Marie" Byerly
Our Loving Mother, Frances "Marie" Byerly, née Flowers, went to meet her Maker on October 10, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was a young 87-year-old, who loved her family dearly. She taught her family the importance of respect and kindness. Leading by example, she showed what it means to live a life that is full of grace, compassion, and most importantly love. She taught us that life is too short and that laughter is truly the best medicine.
Born on April 24, 1938, in a log cabin to Annie Myrtle Starr and John Washington Flowers of Peachland, North Carolina, she held all the grace of a Southern woman. She spent her early life in Charlotte, NC, living with her mom and siblings, surrounded by cousins, aunts, uncles and her grandmother MaHorne. Her independent nature, she fibbed about her age so that she could get her first job, working at Woolworth's as a model and salesclerk; she was 14. She competed in the Miss Harding contest as a Senior at Harding High School, where she graduated. Shortly after, she was married and began her family. She gained tenure working as a secretary for the Mecklenburg County School System. Later she moved to Salisbury, NC with her family, where she learned to play tennis and participated in Garden Club. A few years later, she moved with her daughter to Georgia. Working most of her life, she finally retired from Lockwood Greene in 1998, after many years of service. During retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, traveling and volunteering at the local hospital.
During different stages of her life, Marie was blessed with wonderful friendships that endured time. A domestic diva, she was a great cook, baker, decorator and gardener; she always excelled in creating a beautiful and gracious home for her family and friends. She took pride in her appearance and her home, blessed with incredible fashion sense and an eye for design. She loved shopping and going out to eat where she always rocked a red lipstick. Marie was a woman full of love that taught her family the importance of kindness, finding joy in the simple things of life. She will be remembered for her love and dedication to her faith and family, her love for her pets, and her resilient spirit and strength. She is leaving a permanent legacy that will live on in her family forever.
Marie is survived by her two children, Barry Byerly and Nicole Gillespie, (Joseph Gillespie); grandchildren Barry Byerly Jr., Karly Richardson, (Jerrett Richardson), Hannah Gillespie, Rebecca Gillespie, Sarah Gillespie, and Abigail Gillespie; great-grand daughter Dallyn Richardson; sister Shelby Wyndham (late Edward Wyndham); brother Buddy "John" Flowers (late Rita Flowers); brother Charlie Flowers; brother JV "Jay" Flowers (Annette Flowers); and many dearly loved nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her mother Annie Starr (Edward Starr), father John Flowers, ex-husband Euwell "Von" Byerly, beloved aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, great niece and in-laws.
The family will have a private ceremony where Marie will be laid to rest, next to her mother at Peachtree Memorial Park in Norcross, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a favorite charity of choice.
The family would like to share their appreciation for Marie's friends and neighbors. The visits, cards, phone calls, and thoughtful gifts provided support and encouragement during her long fight with cancer. Additionally, a special thank you to all of her caregivers, medicine techs, nurses, and physicians for their attentive care and thoughtful treatment, providing her with comfort and more time with family.
Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com
Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory. 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.
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