Barbara Byrd

Obituary

(Written by Barbara Jean Byrd)

I, Barbara Jean Byrd, was born on January 22, 1927, in Detroit, Michigan, to the union of Clifford and Mildred (Rhodes) Allen. After the passing of my mother, I was lovingly raised by my Aunt Thelma Haggins in Springfield, Ohio, who was more than a mother to me. I received my education in the Springfield Public School System and graduated from Springfield High School.

I was blessed with six children, whom I raised with my husband, Raymond Byrd. During those years, I was employed by Warner & Swasey, Central Market, and Ohio Bell, where I worked until my retirement.

I confessed Christ at an early age through the Methodist faith and was baptized at Messiah Baptist Church in my early twenties. Although I was out of fellowship for a time, God never let go of me, and He called me back into His care. Since then, He has been the Master of my life. After Messiah, I joined Calvary Hill Missionary Baptist Church, serving faithfully under the leadership of Reverends William Z. Bivens and John W. Ribbins III. I found joy in my work as Church Treasurer, Missionary, Children's Sunday School Teacher, and member of the Mother's Board.

In my spare time, I enjoyed supporting the community by volunteering, campaigning with various councilmen, working alongside the 5th District Police, and helping to establish and organize the Hull/Churchill Street Club.

I have always been an avid lover of poetry, animals, cooking, traveling, and nature, and I have often shed tears of joy. My family has been one of the brightest lights in my life-from my children to my great-great-grandchildren. I have also been blessed with a wonderful extended family.

I was preceded in death by my parents, Clifford and Mildred Allen; Aunt Thelma Haggins; husband, Raymond Byrd; siblings, Jean Haggins, Bobbie Allen, Clifford Allen, Beatrice Avery (Willie), and Kathleen Wright (John); children, Mildred Brim and LeRoy Brim; great-grandson, Louis Powell; great-granddaughter, December Hogan; son-in-law, Robert Kuthrell; and niece, Venita Cooley.

I leave not to mourn but to miss my presence: children, Pat Brim, Sharon Kuthrell, Renee Byrd-Johnson (Charles), and Hope Greathouse (John); grandchildren, DeShon Brim, Felicia Staggers, Denee Greathouse, Starr Brim, Robert Kuthrell Jr. (Lauren), Camille Kuthrell (Purav), Charron Lewis (Courtland), and John Greathouse Jr. (Brooke); 20 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Lovingly submitted,

Barbara J. Byrd