Barbara Winn Byrd

Barbara was born March 7, 1937, in Tyler, TX to Clarence and Margie Winn. As a child Barbara enjoyed playing with friends and cousins, spending time with her grandparents, attending church, and especially visiting the family lake house on Grove Club Lake near Tyler. She attended John Tyler High School, then became the first person in her family to attend college, earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in education from Baylor University in Waco, TX.

During her master’s program she met Garland Byrd in Pat Neff Hall at Baylor. Their first date was to enjoy a Coke at the drug store near campus! Garland and Barbara were married on August 15, 1964.

Barbara put her education degrees to use teaching 3rd grade at Meadowbrook Elementary in Waco. She and Garland then moved to McGregor when Garland accepted a position with McGregor ISD.

Barbara believed her role in life was to be a homemaker, and her priorities soon shifted to raising children. Son Keith was born in 1968 and daughter Christy was born in 1972. She found pleasure in being available for her children throughout their childhood.

Barbara was widely known as a fantastic cook, and she enjoyed preparing and hosting meals in her home for friends and for family gatherings. Her homemade bread was a treat at church socials, and it became fondly known as “Mrs. Byrd’s bread!”

Eventually grandchildren entered the picture. Barbara delighted in teaching them crafts, sewing doll clothes, reading and cooking with them, and helping them create musical performances for the family. She dearly loved her 8 grandchildren, and they looked forward to visiting Grandma for mac & cheese and ice cream!

Barbara’s first love was her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She gave her life to Christ at an early age and followed Him faithfully all her life. She studied the Bible in depth, and she spent countless hours alone and with friends praying and interceding for others. Over the years she taught VBS, led a women’s Sunday School class, and hosted various small groups in her home. She was also generous, and often sent anonymous cash gifts to people in need. The example she set as a godly wife, mother, grandmother, and friend will be cherished by all who knew her.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Margie Winn. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Garland Byrd; son Keith Byrd [Christie] and daughter Christy Bowling [Chris]; grandchildren Kari Maher [Carson], Carson Byrd [Jaclyn], Caden Byrd, Adam Bowling, Cole Bowling, Jaxon Bowling, Joslyn Bowling and Kyndal Bowling.

The family is holding a visitation Friday evening from 6-8 PM at Cole Funeral Home in McGregor, and a graveside service will be held Saturday morning at 10 AM at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco. The family would like to thank Accent Care hospice services and the staff and residents of Wesley Woods Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Waco for the loving care they gave Barbara the last 7 months of her life. Donations may be made to the church or charity of your choice.