Jessie Johnson Byrd

BYRD, Jessie Johnson, 91, of Richmond, Va., passed away peacefully on Monday morning, February 6, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Byrd Sr.; daughter-in-law, Linda Byrd; son-in-law, Bruce Graves; and granddaughter, Gayle Graves. She is survived by her four children, Kenneth Byrd Jr., Ruth Graves, Terry Byrd Sr. and Vernon Byrd (Cheryl); and her sister-in-law, Lily Mae Byrd; along with her 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Jessie was a talented drapery seamstress whose work decorated windows in homes and businesses across Central Virginia for decades. She enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life and had a knack for remembering stories about people she had met and places she had been through the years. Even in her old age, she retained a curiosity for new things, an ability to enjoy even the smallest pleasures and a willingness to meet any challenge life threw her way. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends, who will miss her deeply. Jessie was a proud member of Stockton Memorial Baptist Church for 70 years.

A visitation for Jessie will be held Monday, February 13, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Bliley's-Chippenham, 6900 Hull Street Rd., Richmond, Va. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 11 a.m. at Stockton Memorial Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Stockton Memorial Baptist Church or charity of your choice in her name.