Betty Davis Byrd

Betty had a lifelong passion for education and stressed that with her children, having been Salutatorian of her high school class in Smithfield, attending Campbell College, and graduated from NC State University in 1991 with a B.S. Magna Cum Laude in Multi-Disciplinary Studies while receiving the Highest Scholastic Achievement Award in that department.

While working a number of part time and temporary jobs, she was a career homemaker with care of her family her highest priority. A marvelous cook, her hand is evident throughout her home with beautiful crafts, artwork, antiques, and gardens. She was an excellent athlete as a youth and in Cary’s recreational leagues while a young mother, and had a lifelong devotion to physical fitness.

She was an active member of Greenwood Forest Baptist Church, serving with the nursery, children’s church, Joy class, and attendance rolls.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, William T. Byrd (“Tim”); sons, Steve Byrd and wife, Sandra of Raleigh and Tim Byrd and wife, Theresa of Greensboro; grandchildren, Rachel, Davis, Kelly and Chris Byrd; and many more family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Dan and Jack.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 21, 2012 at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church, 110 S.E. Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511. Burial will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612.

The family will receive friends from 10:00-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Greenwood Forest Baptist Church Memorial Fund or Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.

The family wishes to express gratitude for the many kindnesses shown to Betty and Tim during these last years by their caregiver, Showanda Jones, and their church family and friends.

Condolences may be sent through www.brownwynnecary.com