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BORN
1934
DIED
2014
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Joan Byram Obituary
Abilene, TX
Joan Byram, 79, of Abilene died peacefully in her lifetime home on Wednesday morning May 7, 2014.
A private family graveside service was held on Saturday May 10, 2014 at Elmwood Memorial Park. Joan named after her proud mother and father, John and Ann, was born on September 4, 1934. She was the oldest child of the late John Perkins Byram and Ann Diller Byram both of Abilene, and will be buried next to her beloved parents.
Polio had struck on her tender eleventh year leaving her 95% paralyzed for life. After muscle replacement surgery Joan regained partial use of her hands. In spite of her physical challenges, beautiful Joan went on to earn 2 college degrees in special education from McMurray College. She used her education to teach and help special children at the West Texas Rehabilitation Center in Abilene, founded in part by her father. Joan also became an accomplished weaver, writer, and a bridge tournament champion.
Joan's crystal blue eyes, delightful smile and enduring grace shall never be forgotten. May her strength and endurance be a light for us all.
Joan is survived by her fanciful flock of cockatiels; her sister, Alice Dale Byram Kimsey; brother, John Diller Byram; seven nieces and nephews; five great nieces and nephews.
Family request memorials in Joan's honor be made to the West Texas Rehabilitation Center in Abilene.
Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family through to obituary link at www.elmwoodfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan Byram
5 Entries
Sammie Beard
May 14, 2014
I have just learned of Joan's death. I have worked at West Texas Rehab for 36 years and remember Joan and her beautiful smile well. Heaven has certainly gained an angel.
May 14, 2014
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
Gayle Boyd Strange
May 13, 2014
She was always smiling! My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
JoAnna Vletas Vlahakos
May 11, 2014
I am sorry to read about Joan demise. I remember her at the Episcopal Church and High School. She was so brave trusting the boys in school to lift her wheel chair up and down the steps. May her memory be eternal. JoAnna Vletas Vlahakos
May 11, 2014
Teachers are a gift, they just know how to touch our hearts.
May the depth of your faith and the love of those who share your loss, comfort you at this time of deep sadness. ( Matthew 5:4)
~DH
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Elmwood Funeral Home & Memorial Park5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, TX 79606
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