Connie dedicated her life to her family, her church and to her advocacy for children and family through her law practice at Byrd & Byrd, LLP.
Following high school, Connie attended Florida State University and University of North Florida where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in accounting and her MBA. She then began her career with Owen’s Corning Fiberglass where she worked in Jacksonville, Atlanta and Toledo, Ohio. Following her lengthy career with Owen’s Corning Fiberglass, she obtained her CPA license, passing all four parts on her first attempt. She then opened her accounting practice in Jacksonville, providing accounting and tax services to small businesses in Northeast Florida. During this time, in 2000 Connie was awarded the Small Business Advocate of the Year award by the North Florida District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Also during this time, she was the manager of her husband’s law practice. In an effort to further assist this law practice, Connie decided to return to school at Florida Coastal School of Law, graduating with honors, and obtained her license to practice in 2009.
Connie devoted her law practice in the areas of family law and dependency with an emphasis on child advocacy. A large portion of her efforts were volunteer and pro bono, acting as both guardian ad litem and attorney ad litem for disadvantaged youth.
During her legal career, Connie was a Board member and past President of the Collaborative Family Law Group of Northeast Florida, a Board member of the Florida Collaborative Council, and a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. She was also involved with Florida’s Children First, was an active member of Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association (JWLA), and served as VP- Girls Court and Chairman of Youth Outreach and Mentoring. In 2014, she was awarded JWLA Lawyer of the Year. She was honored in the Class of 2015 Leader of the Law by the Florida Association of Women Lawyers. Connie also served on the Boards of Fourth Church of Christ, Scientist and Wellsprings, Florida.
Connie is survived by her husband of 40 years, Terry L. Byrd; her son, Stephen Byrd, his wife, Julie and their children Kaitlyn, Emily, Thomas, Jackson, and Cooper; Stacy Byrd Thomas and her husband Jaynorris; her daughter Christine Byrd Blount, her husband Zach and their daughter Magnolia; and her sisters and brothers, Carole Poindexter, Mark Jackson, Cathy Nove-Josserand, Matt Jackson and Mike Jackson and their spouses and children.
Connie was one of the kindest and most loving people you could ever meet. She opened her heart to all--family, friends, colleagues and children in need. Connie provided guidance and mentoring to many of her colleagues and will be sorely missed. She was a fantastic mother to her three children, providing unconditional love, support, guidance and perspective at every juncture. Known as “Boo” to her grandchildren, she was an energetic, fun-loving grandmother, and always sought more ways to be involved and present in her grandchildren’s lives. Connie and her husband enjoyed traveling to baseball stadiums and blues festivals throughout the U.S. and always making their next plan to see another part of the world. Connie especially enjoyed time at Vilano Beach with her family.
If desired, memorial gifts may be sent to one of the organizations Connie supported, such as Pace Center for Girls, Daniel Kids, or Fourth Church of Christ, Scientist, Jacksonville.
The family will host an open house in honor of Connie at 1354 Woodward Avenue on Saturday, December 1st between 2 and 4pm.
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