Marjorie Lucille Byrd

Marjorie Lucille Knowlton Byrd (Margie), 82, a faithful servant of Christ and a shining example of love in action, passed from this life into her eternal home on July 16th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, generosity, and unwavering faith.

Margie was born on July 18th, 1942 in Montgomery, Alabama to Guthrie and Allie Knowlton.

Margie attended Forest Avenue Elementary, Capitol Heights Junior High where she was a majorette and went to Robert E. Lee where she was in the Chora-Lees and graduated in 1960. She attended Judson College in Marion for a few years before coming back home to Montgomery.

A long-time member of both Forest Park Baptist Church and later Eastern Hills Baptist Church. You could always find her teaching Sunday School, leading children’s church, leading church at Tyson Manor in Montgomery, Vacation Bible School and a leader in the Girls in Action and Acteens groups as a mentor for young girls. Margie lived her Christian faith openly and joyfully.

Forest Park introduced her to many lifelong friends including Greg and Karen Gosselin who became much more than friends rather family, they were always there when we needed prayer or just their company and love.

She was known by all who met her as someone who radiated the love of Jesus—not just in words, but in deeds. Her heart and home were always open. Whether it was feeding the hungry who showed up at her door or sharing whatever she had with someone in need, Margie was always ready with a warm plate, a kind word, or a few dollars to help.

She was a loving and faithful wife, a doting and devoted mother, granny, and aunt—and to the multitude of people who called her their “second mom,” she was a constant source of comfort, encouragement, and wisdom. Her nurturing spirit and kind presence had a way of making everyone feel like family.

Early in Margie and Jimmy’s marriage they moved to Memphis, TN and Norfolk, VA while Jimmy was in the Navy before coming back to Montgomery to start a family.

Margie enjoyed working as an office manager at Renal Associates and later left for private practice with Dr. Radha Krothapolli, she was good at her job and loved on all the patients she came into contact with.

Margie also had a beautiful contralto voice—so rich and deep it could outmatch most men’s. She used that gift to bless others and bring glory to God. She loved being a part of the Ladies Ensemble with her best friend, Sandra Chapman where you could hear their beautiful alto voices. She also loved being part of the hand bells choir. Anything to bring glory to God through worship. Her home was a gathering place for friends and family, where laughter and fellowship were always welcome, she had the best and most contagious laugh. She cherished visits from others and made everyone feel like they belonged.

Margie had a heart for foster care and was a home for many foster children.

Margie loved all holidays and made them all very special, especially Christmas.

She spent the later years of her life enjoying anything related to her grandchildren, whether that be sporting events, field trips, the summers that included the grandchildren loving to spend their days at granny’s house. She loved taking her grandchildren on trips and shopping, she shared all she had with them.

She met so many wonderful people and friends while living at Cara Vita Village especially Christina Sanchez, who later cared for her while living at Amy’s home.

Margie never met a stranger and was loved by everyone who came in contact with her.

Her life was a testimony of quiet strength, deep faith, and unconditional love. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Margie is preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Jimmy Byrd. Parents Guthrie Drane Knowlton and Allie McCauley Knowlton. Sister Adrienne Knowlton Ivey and her nephew Paul Vernon Ivey.

Margie is survived by her daughters, Debbie Pate (Ronnie), Amy Byrd Tyner (Davy). Grandchildren, Casey Langdale (Jim), Maysha Pate, Kyra Pate, Allie Byrd, Tenley Tyner, Wells Tyner.

Great Grandchildren Pate Langdale and Cannon Langdale.

Nieces and Nephews who were like her own, Jerry Ivey, Leigh Blackwell ( Jimmy) , Marie Frankum (Jimbo), Scott Ivey and special cousin Reba Dyer and special family member and friend Irene Tyner. She had a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins and other extended family.

Margie was a mother and grandmother to so many others.

Special thanks to Dr. Mac Barnes III and Nurse Practitioner Ashley Peplow at the Montgomery Cancer Center, everyone there cared for her so well and lovingly.

And also Amedisys Hospice Care who were angels on earth and cared for her in her final weeks with such love, especially Becca and Lana.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Brantwood Children's Home in Montgomery in honor of Margie.

Pallbearers will be Davy Tyner, Wells Tyner, Ronnie Pate, Jerry Ivey, Scott Ivey, Jim Langdale and Pate Langdale.

We should never forget that we have been rescued from sin and darkness and transferred to Christ’s Kingdom. Col. 1:12-14.

A friends and family visitation for Marjorie will be held Sunday, July 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Leak Memory Chapel, 945 Lincoln Road, Montgomery, AL 36109, followed by a celebration of life chapel service at 2:00 PM.