Barbara Ann Byram

Born on November 13, 1956, in Columbia, South Carolina, Barbara was the daughter of Martin L. Wheeler Sr. and Ettie Mae McAlpin Wheeler. She grew up in the Hopkins/Congaree area with her two brothers, Martin L. Wheeler Jr. and Frank McAlpin Wheeler. When her father, an employee of Southern Railway, was transferred to Charlotte, the family made their home there.

Barbara graduated from Garinger High School, Class of 1975, and later attended Central Piedmont Community College, where she met her husband of 41 years, Ronald S. Byram.

She worked in several roles throughout her life, including positions at Terrell Machine Company, Color Craft, AAA, Delmar, and The Crystal Shop in Charlotte.

Barbara had a lifelong passion for science fiction and the NASA space program—an interest that helped spark her connection with Ron. He proposed to her at the Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., and they honeymooned at Cape Kennedy, Florida, after their August 1984 wedding.

She took great pride in her Scottish heritage and her family’s rich history, which included ancestors connected to a King of Scotland, the founders of Birdsboro, Pennsylvania, and the Revolutionary War.

Barbara loved travel, especially exploring the back roads of North America—from North Carolina to Canada and from Maine to Oregon. A skilled navigator, she was always eager to discover what lay around the next curve. She also enjoyed gardening, sewing, photography, history, horses, and music, particularly The Mamas & the Papas, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Scottish singer-songwriter Doogie MacLean.

Her faith was central to her life, and she was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Ronald S. Byram, and their son, Kyle S. Byram, both of Charlotte; her mother, Ettie Mae Wheeler (age 98); her brother, Martin L. Wheeler Jr.; her nieces, Amanda Wheeler and Kimberly St. Louis (husband, Olguens); her grandniece, Josie; and many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her father, Martin L. Wheeler Sr., and her brother, Frank M. Wheeler.

She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her deep love for her family, her beautiful red hair, and the fiery spirit that came with it. As Ron would say, he’s still not sure he has fully recovered from that one good kick.

Family will receive friends on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Wilson Funeral and Cremation Service between 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 21, at 11:00 AM at Wilson Funeral and Cremation Service, with a graveside service to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens on Lawyers Road.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The American Cancer Society or the Humane Society of Charlotte.