Birdie Leigh Norman Laird

Birdie Leigh Norman Laird

SHREVEPORT, LA - Birdie "Mom" Laird, born January 24, 1915, graced us all for 94 years before going to her heavenly reward on August 31, 2009. Visitation will be held at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Marshall Street from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2009. Graveside services will be conducted at Forest Park East on Saturday, September 5, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. under the direction of Rev. Don Wilson.

Birdie was born in Pineville, LA to Benjamin Westley and Leona Parnell. She graduated from Bolton High School then attended Louisiana College. In 1936 she married Dudley Norman and moved to Natchitoches, LA where she was active in The Order of the Eastern Star, and the First Baptist Church.

In 1954 she moved to Shreveport and was employed by the City of Shreveport, Parks and Recreation Department. She retired as Director of Arts and Crafts in 1981. During her service with the City, she headed several departments, including the "Golden Age" department where she worked tirelessly with senior citizens. As a hobby, she was also an accomplished seamstress and taught countless people to sew. She was active in the Highland Baptist Church and Joy Fund.

In 1964 she lost her husband Dudley. After remaining a widow for 18 years, she married Loma "Bud" Laird in 1982. Moving to Nacogdoches, TX, Mom and Bud enjoyed traveling, church work and grandchildren. Her family always came first and she was a beacon to all. After losing Bud, she moved to Bossier City to be nearer to her son.

Mom was always the one that her family could turn to when in need. She taught us all by example and love. Words cannot express the loss her family and friends are feeling, but it is comforting to know that she is now walking the golden streets of Heaven with her family and friends that went on before her. There is no doubt that she will be waiting to welcome us with kind words and open arms when we all meet her again.

Mom is survived by her children, Beverly Laird of San Antonio, TX, Martha S. Ledbetter and husband Jack of Lawton, OK, Dudley D Norman and wife Laurie of Bossier City, LA, and a special niece, Miriam Burbee and husband Bill of Las Vegas, NV. Grandchildren, Treyton Laird and wife Jenny, New York City, Dana Laird, Maui, Hawaii, Trecia Laird, New York City, Trenton Laird, Ft. Worth, TX, Danielle Keishnick, and husband Brooks, San Antonio, TX, Nathan Wright and wife Lisa, Tulsa, OK, Leigh Ann Mitchell and husband Aaron, Many, LA, Shawn Beasley and husband Gerald, India. Tia Dickenson, Lawton OK, Brad Norman Bossier City, LA, Erin Norman, Bossier City, LA William Tharpe and wife Ceili Jo, Jennings, LA, John Tharpe, Dallas, TX, and Allison Cardwell, Las Vegas, NV. 22 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.

Special thanks to Dr. Stuart Blum and Dr. John Hardin for their kind and compassionate care. Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Marshall St. Chapel 222-0348