Vivian Smith Byars

Vivian Smith Byars, 95, was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 2, 2024, leaving behind a family who loves her very much. 

Vivian was born in Blacksburg, South Carolina, on February 10, 1929, to James Arthur and Geneva Childers Smith. A child of the Great Depression, she learned to do the best with what she had and to find joy in life’s true treasure: her family. 

Vivian was married for over forty years to the late Howard Roy Byars, and they were the loving parents of four children. She is survived by her daughter, Tonda Byars Bailey (Ran) of Cowpens, and her son, Richard Howard Byars of Pacolet. In addition to her children, she is survived by her grandchildren: Rick Lawson (Mary), Cassidy Duggins (Les), Tres’ Bailey (Laura), Matthew Bagwell (Haley), and Byars Bagwell (Amber), eleven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She is predeceased by two daughters, Vickie Byars Lawson (Bruce) of Roebuck and Debra Byars Bagwell of Boiling Springs; daughter-in-law, Lynn Brown Byars of Pacolet and by her siblings Doris Whitener, Merle Ellis, Peggy Owens, and JC Smith. 

Vivian was a former employee of Carolina Cash and was a member of Glendale Baptist Church. 

Vivian was the embodiment of her name, and she remained lively and full of life for most of her time here on earth. She enjoyed taking morning walks, traveling, tending to her many flowers, crocheting, cooking, and—most importantly—being with her family. She made certain that each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren began life with one of her special hand-made blankets and continued to nourish and comfort those she loved, serving up chicken and dumplings, coffee, and her famous “popcorn biscuits.” Known affectionately as Little Mom, she was always ready to help, have a laugh, share a stick of Double-Mint Gum, or win at a hand of cards. 

The family will receive friends from 11:30 am to 12:45 pm on Friday, December 6, 2024, at Glendale Baptist Church, 151 Church St., Glendale, SC 29346. 

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm at Glendale Baptist Church with burial to follow in Heritage Memorial Gardens, 2901 S. Church St. Ext, Roebuck, SC with services conducted by the Rev. Daniel Blackwell. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, Virginia, 22116-7023, or to the Hospice Special Needs Fund, c/o Spartanburg Regional Foundation, PO Box 2624, Spartanburg, SC 29304. 

The family will be at the home of her daughter, Tonda Bailey.