Ananias Byrd

Ananias Byrd was born September 9, 1931, in Forkland, Alabama. He was the oldest son of two born to the union of Jeremiah and Lucy Byrd. On Saturday, January 24, 2026, he departed this life at the age of 94.

Ananias accepted Christ at an early age and baptized in the muddy pond of Ebenezer Baptist Church.

In 1952, he moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana and gained employment with General Electric Co.

He enlisted into the United States Army in 1953, served in Korea, and received an honorable discharge.

After returning to Fort Wayne, he met and married Halloween Balfour.

Later, he began working for the VA Northern Indiana Healthcare System in dietary, building management, engineering and grounds keeping. He retired in July 2000 after 42½ years of service.

Shortly after arriving in Fort Wayne, he united with Pilgrim Baptist Church. He served faithfully on the usher board, under the leadership of the late Rev. John Dixie Jr., Rev. Sam Shade Jr. and Pastor Raymond C. Dix Sr. He spent many years as the lawn care specialist for all the church properties. He also spent countless years serving as security during services.

“Byrd” as he was called by many, enjoyed photography, traveling while talking with the truckers on his CB Radio, and tinkering with things. His creativity was unmatched when finding alternative ways to make things work. He loved cutting grass and believed in having a well-manicured lawn. He also had a great sense of humor with a laugh that was distinctive. He was one of the biggest jokesters you could ever meet.

Surviving are his daughters, Irene (Raymond) Brooks of New Orleans, LA, Norma and Glinda Byrd both of Fort Wayne, IN; two granddaughters, Reia D. Brooks of New Orleans, LA and Amnesty A. Byrd of Fort Wayne, IN; a beloved great-grandson, Haden A. Grand of Fort Wayne, IN; brother-in-law, Melvin Kemp of Chicago, IL; nephews, Donald T. Byrd, Rodney (Sheri) Kemp, Keith (Deanna) Kemp and Dennis Alexander; nieces, Debora E. Jackson, Brenda L. Byrd-Noel, Betina M. Byrd, Patricia A. McToy, Mildred Alexander and Brenda Kemp (Gus) Fouch; uncle, Rev. Sam (Arthella) Shade Jr.; aunt, Georgia Mack along with a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucy Todd and Jeremiah Byrd; a devoted wife of 56 years, Halloween Byrd; infant son, Curtis L. Byrd; son-in-love, Terry L. Williams; brother, Jerry Byrd; uncles, Joe Shade Sr. and Andrew Shade Sr.; aunts, Leona Byrd, Willie D. O'Neal, Eliza S. Cotton and Roberta Evans.