Vera Lynn Byrd

Born September 21, 1957 in Peoria to George Leonard and Rosetta Marie (Yardley) Beaty, she married James Carlon Byrd, Jr. on July 31, 1976 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in East Peoria. He died March 10, 2012 in Peoria. She also was preceded in death by her parents; one infant son, Joseph James Byrd; one brother, George Thomas Beaty and one sister, Christina Louise Raver.

Surviving are one daughter, Jacklyn Christina (Doug) Surratt of Chillicothe; one son, James Carlon Byrd, III of Pekin; three grandchildren, Hunter James Surratt, Jaxon Lee Chinchilla and Isaac Dale Surratt; one brother, Alan Dale (Geri) Beaty of San Diego, California and her sister-in-law, Karen Beaty of St. Charles, Missouri.

A 1975 graduate of Pekin Community High School, Vera graduated with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education from Bradley University. She later earned her Master’s Degree from St. Xavier University.

She retired from Peoria School District 150, where she was a Special Education teacher at for 17 years at Tyng Primary School and her last two years at Glen Oak School. Prior to that she worked in Pekin Public Schools District 108 at Jefferson School.

Vera had a contagious smile and a beautiful laugh. She made sure everyone felt Jesus’ love. She never met a stranger and would talk to anyone and everyone. She was always giving to anyone in need, thanking people and giving out compliments. She loved Jesus with all her heart and with her last breath, listened to “How Great Thou Art” while entering Heaven. Vera was a loving, devoted mother, wife, grandma, sister, aunt, teacher, friend, and a faithful follower of Jesus. An avid reader, she loved all kinds of music and was an active learner. Vera was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in East Peoria and a former member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin, where she formerly served as a Stephen Minister, communion steward and took part in small group ministry.

Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in East Peoria. Pastor Brian Pape will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Cremation will be accorded following the funeral. Inurnment will be at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 200 Cole Street, East Peoria, IL 61611 or WBNH 88.5 Radio, 1919 Mayflower Drive, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com