Mattie "Nell" Byrd

BYRD, Mattie “Nell,” 82, of Brooksville, died Saturday, March 11, 2017 at Ocala Regional Medical Center.    

She was born in Hemmingway, South Carolina and came to this area 37 years ago from Miami, Florida.  She was a member of First Baptist Church of Ridge Manor.  Nell was an amazing wife, mother, nana, sister, aunt and friend who taught us all the meaning of unconditional love.  She touched the lives of many people just by speaking with them.  When it came to her passion of baking, you didn't want to compete against her.  Her hundreds of fantastic recipes were gladly shared with all.  She was one of the best shoppers around.  She never missed out on a bargain and spent most of her time shopping for others.  Her closet of beautiful clothes was shared by many.  The slot machines she played always were in fear when they heard she was in town.  She knew how to hit those jackpots and they didn't stand a chance against her. Her beautiful life revolved around her family and her love of Jesus.  She showed us all how to live life to the fullest and she will be missed tremendously by all.

She is survived by her husband, Floyd W. Byrd, Jr. of Brooksville, Florida; son and daughter-in-law, Billy and Holly Byrd of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Johnny Zacco of Ocala, Florida; sisters, Patricia Ferdarko of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Ruth Hernandez of Tampa, Florida; grandchildren, John Michael, Heather, Lynzee, Shane, Jessica, Brandon; many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00pm noon on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at First Baptist Church of Ridge Manor.  Burial will take place at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida at 2:00pm.

ARRANGEMENTS BY

MERRITT FUNERAL HOME

BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA

(352) 796-6699

“Family Owned and Operated”

www.merrittfuneral.com