Katheryne Hamm Byrd

Katheryne Hamm Byrd died peacefully at home on March 21, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. Kathy was born June 6, 1929, in Orlando, Florida, to Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Hamm. She grew up in Orlando, where she was a high school cheerleader and valedictorian of her class. Her mother was from a prominent Southern family, and she was raised to be a true lady and had the presence that comes from being reared in a genteel world that called for gloves, hats, and heels. She was a talented pianist and played piano for her church while still a teenager, taught Sunday school, and formed and directed a Junior Choir. Kathy attended business school for a year before enrolling at the University of Florida where she pledged Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and was a member of the University Mixed Chorus. During a performance of “Elijah” with the Men’s Glee Club, she met the love of her life, Julian Byrd, whom she married six months later. Kathy and Julian had a deep and eternal affection and commitment and an ideal marriage for 69-1/2 years, admired and recognized by their family and friends. Their marriage was one to which all would aspire.

After graduating from the University of Florida, Julian attended Seminary at Duke University where Kathy was very active with the Divinity School wives group called the Duke Divinity Dames. She served as an officer in this social group.

Julian and Kathy had their first child, Bridgett Elaine, while at the University of Florida, and their second child, Michael Julian, after moving to Houston. Kathy's life was primarily centered around her family, and she was very proud of her children and grandchildren. After graduating from college, Bridgett moved to Washington, D.C., where she has spent most of her career working to improve health care for children and seniors in the country. Among other positions, Bridgett has been the Chief Health Care Policy advisor for the Commerce Committee, working 15 years for Congressman John Dingell, and Senior Policy Advisor in the department of Health and Human Services in the George H. W. Bush, Clinton, and Obama administrations. She currently works in legislative affairs for the trade association that represents the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Michael graduated from the University of Texas and worked for 4 years as an independent petroleum landman in 5 different states before attending the University of Texas School of Law. He has since had a prominent 35-year career as an oil and gas M&A attorney and is currently a partner at Porter Hedges LLP.

When Bridgett and Mike were in high school at Bellaire, Julian and Kathy had as many students as they could possibly get to come to their home after sports events, where they served sandwiches and punch for hours on end. After Mike joined Sigma Nu Fraternity at UT, they frequently hosted rush parties at their home.

Kathy was employed at Foley's for 32 years beginning in Human Resources and retiring as Assistant Store Manager at Foley's flagship store at Memorial City. She was active in the Houston Personnel Association and worked with Distributive Education Students to teach them interviewing skills. She hired the staff tor Sharpstown, Northwest, and Memorial City and was dearly loved by those staffs. She was honored m 1980 by the YMCA as one of the outstanding women in Houston and was selected to the WHO's WHO in Houston book in 1982.

While Kathy was working at Foley's, she was hired by Clairol Hair Products to be a model for their weekend shows. She was their blonde model for several years and remained a blonde the rest of her life.

Upon retirement from Foley's, Kathy served as the wedding coordinator for St. Luke's United Methodist Church, and during her eight years there assisted in almost 1000 weddings. She loved weddings and after retirement, served as a volunteer on the Wedding Guild for several years. Kathy was an active member of St. Luke's for over 40 years and during that time served on the Administrative Board, the Finance Committee, and both the Wedding Guild and Funeral Guild. She was still helping with funerals in her 80’s. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and attended the afternoon study circle. She was also a member of the Goodwill Class.

Kathy loved to bake and at Christmas, her favorite time of year, she baked hundreds of cookies which she distributed to neighbors and friends as well as the Sage Post Office, which handled her mail.

Kathy was the youngest of 6 children and was preceded in death by her parents and 5 siblings, William, Harold, Bennie, Elizabeth, and Willeen; 2 sisters- in-law, Dorothy Hamm and Margie Hamm; 2 brothers-in-law, Hugh Byrd and Mason Harrell; and 3 nieces, Joanne, Frances, and Betty Jean. Kathy had nine nieces in her family, and was told by several that she was their role model. She helped with all of their children’s weddings and loved participating in their celebrations. Kathy adored her grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Mimi,” and never missed a voice recital, a softball game, or a jazz recital at St. Agnes Academy. She attended numerous Grandparents’ Days, smiling and beaming with pride.

Kathy loved all sports and while remaining a loyal Gator fan, also became a lifelong Longhorn fan after her children attended the University of Texas. She was a season ticket holder for the Oilers and Texans for decades and a diehard supporter of the Astros and Rockets.

She was a faithful Democrat and served as a delegate to the county convention in 2004 and 2008. She worked tirelessly for her party, and even after she began needing a walker at age 87, she proudly sported a “Hillary” bumper sticker on the front of it.

Julian and Kathy loved to travel. By virtue of Julian's serving on the Board of the American Cancer Society and his serving as President and other offices in national organizations, they were able to attend conventions or meetings in many major cities in the U.S. as well as Canada, Australia, and Europe. Upon retirement, they toured Europe, took several cruises, and enjoyed going with their grandchildren to Disney World, where they had taken their children many times in their youth.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Julian, her children, Bridgett and Mike and his wife Myra; grandchildren, Megan, Ryan and wife, Dawn, Mary Kent, Laura, Katheryne (“Katy”), and Andrew; and great grandchildren, Dailyn, Ruby, Connor, and Maisie. She is also survived by sisters in law, Frances Hamm and Evelyn Byrd, as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Her beloved husband, Julian, described Kathy as an elegant woman with an engaging smile who was beautiful at every age.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, where Dr. Tom Pace, Senior Pastor, will officiate (Livestream at https://stlukesmethodist.org/kathy-byrd/). Immediately following the service, all are invited to greet the family at a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

Interment will be at Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery in Orlando, Florida, where most of her family are buried.

Kathy loved all kinds of music, and therefore it was her wish that in lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to may make a contribution to the music department of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77027; or online at www.stlukesmethodist.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.earthmanbellaire.com for the Byrd family.