Jessie Bell Byrd was born July 31, 1938 to Putman and Emily Smith in Meadville, Mississippi. She was the sixth of ten children. In March, 1954 after a short courtship, she married her husband Phillip Byrd. In March 1956, Jessie along with her eldest child and expecting their second joined her husband in California to start a new life.
Jessie and Phillip were married 58 years and shared countless wonderful moments, laughs, and great times together. While married, Jessie worked at Pacific Bell Telephone in maintenance. She and her husband decided being a home maker was the best choice for their family. She has and raised a total of eight children; and helped care for all her grandchildren, some of her great grandchildren, and many other family members and children in her neighborhood.
Jessie was known to have a heart of gold and could find goods in anyone. She didn't have much, but what she did have she shared with all; often times putting others needs before her own.
Preceding Jessie's calling were her parents Mr. & Mrs. Putman Smith, her husband Phillip Byrd, four sisters; Mary Reed, Louise Sites, Betty McCrea, and Dorothy O'Neal. Five brothers; Thomas Smith, Roosevelt Smith, Robert Smith, Earl Smith, and Putman Smith Jr. She leaves to cherish her loving memories, her children; Phyllis Harris, Belinda Byrd, Janice Brown, Patricia Delce, Marilyn Wallace, Phillip Byrd Jr., Audrey Byrd, and LaTanyia Byrd. Three sons in law; Quinn Brown, Timothy Delce, Randy Wallace, and one daughter in law Terri Byrd.
She adored and will be missed by twenty grandchildren, forty-four great grandchildren, three great grandchildren, five sisters; Eyvone Lewis, Corine Smith, Corine DeVaul, Gloria Williams, and Rosie Smith. Four brothers; Solomon Smith, Sonny Smith, George Smith, and Frederick Smith. Along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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