Nancy Raines Byrd

Mrs. Nancy Raines Byrd, 93, of Dayton, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community (VMRC). She was born in Keezletown on June 4, 1932, a daughter of the late Charles and Annie Marshall Raines, and was the seventh of eleven children. On June 22, 1951, she was united in marriage to Harry Ruel Byrd of Dayton, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Dottie Byrd Erbaugh. Nancy was a graduate of Keezletown High School and attended nursing school at Rockingham Memorial Hospital (RMH). She began her married life with Harry as a homemaker, but was soon called into the workforce, first working for Dr. Charlie Powell and later serving as a reading specialist at Ottobine Elementary School. She dedicated 30 years to the school, having never had to interview for either position. She retired from the school system in 1996, though she continued to substitute for many years afterward. One of Nancy's greatest passions was serving others. She was among the first volunteers for the RMH Hospice program and helped establish the Big Brothers Big Sisters cross-generational match program at Waterman Elementary-an initiative that continues today. An active and devoted member of Dayton United Methodist Church, Nancy participated in the prayer shawl ministry, served on nearly every committee, and concluded her service as Chair of the Board of Trustees. She also served the wider United Methodist Church in a variety of roles. Beyond her church work, Nancy served on the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board and, alongside her late sister Ruth Smith, prepared and provided meals for residents of the Salvation Army Family and Emergency Shelter. Nancy is survived by her four sons and daughters-in-law: Harry R. Byrd, Jr. and Susanne of Statesville, NC; William Byrd and Nancy of Akron, OH; John Byrd and Ann of Milliken, CO; and Ted Byrd and Stephanne of Harrisonburg. She is also survived by two sisters, Ellen Blose of Rockingham and Mary Sepulveda (and husband Benny) of Pensacola, FL; four sisters-in-law, Flora Belle Byrd of Bridgewater, Peggy Raines of McGaheysville, Martha Cline of Lynchburg, and Eloise Byrd of McLean; and a brother-in-law, Eddie Garber of New Market. She leaves behind sixteen grandchildren-Rebecca Byrd, Adam Byrd, Bonnie Byrd, Sarah Byrd, Katherine Byrd, Julie Byrd, Mary Lods, Marshall Byrd, Paul Byrd, Ali Boyd, Peter Byrd, Jacob Byrd, Joshua Byrd, Chris Erbaugh, Derek Erbaugh, and Leah Erbaugh-as well as eleven great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater. Interment will be private. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Dayton United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Steve Bird officiating and a reception to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to an organization of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnsonfs.com. The family would like to thank the staff at VMRC for the love and care Nancy received. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nancy, please visit our floral store.