Opal Charlene Byrd

Opal Charlene Byrd, 63, passed away unexpectedly Friday, September 23, 2016. She was born August 7, 1953 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Donald and Mary (Ryan) Byrd, Sr. Opal was a proud alumnus of Howard University and earned her master's degree from the University of Dayton. She retired after twenty years of service at Maryhaven Women's Extended Care Program. Opal was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, The Third Floor Wheatley Divas and Browns Backers Worldwide. She was an active member of the Lord of Life Fellowship Church. Her family was always so important to her and she loved spending time with them. She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Byrd, Sr., her mother, Mary Byrd, her sister, Cynthia Knight and grandson, Rahman. Opal is survived by her children, Jahmal Hobbs, Malika Kirk and Naajee Byrd; grandchildren, Sheazer, Daizhon, Selijah, Myanna, Malia, and Liam; siblings, Julia Cooper, Carolyn (Lonnie) Morgan, Timothy (Kim) Byrd and Donald Byrd, Jr., and many other relatives and dear friends. Her life celebration will begin at 6:00 pm Friday, September 30, 2016 at the Schoedinger East Chapel, 5360 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Contributions in Opal's memory may be made to Amethyst (A community of Recovery), 455 E. Mound St., Columbus, OH 43215. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a special memory or extend condolences.