Gennie B. Byrd

Sister Gennie B. Byrd was born November 7, 1936, in Delhi, Louisiana, to James and Arma Finley. She departed this life peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Ellenwood, Georgia. She was married to John Byrd, Sr., for 35 years and to this union three daughters and three sons were born.

Gennie accepted Christ at an early age and became a church member of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Alto, Louisiana. Later throughout the years, Gennie moved her membership to Solomon Temple Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Fred Green and then later under the leadership of Reverend James R. Howard.

Gennie was a devoted mother, sister, and aunt. She loved her family, especially her children and grandchildren, while providing care for children of family and friends. She had strong faith in the lord and was an usher board member, treasurer, and served with the city-wide ushers. Gennie was employed at Mary Goss Nursing Home as head cook for 15 years. She was fondly known
as Aunt Bee and Aunt Baby Sister.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Byrd, Sr.; parents, James and Arma Finley; son, Leslie Byrd; granddaughter, Vonyelle Byrd; seven brothers, Robert Finley, Mitchell Finley, James Finley, Jr., Rosebell Finley, Artis Finley, Sam Finley, and David Finley; and two sisters, Roberta Howard and Bertha Staten. She leaves to cherish her memories: five children, John Byrd, Jr., of Avon, Indiana (Wanda), Rose M. Byrd of West Monroe, Louisiana, Debra A. Mays of Ellenwood, Georgia (Terry), Tammy D. Byrd of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Timothy L. Byrd (Jessica) of Monroe, Louisiana; two sisters, Emma Stevenson (Charlie) and Mary Coleman; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.