Kathryn Helms Byrd

She was born October 3, 1929, the daughter of Ella and Wiley Helms.

Kathryn moved to Louisville after graduating high school, and worked at Belknap Hardware Inc., where she met her husband, Odell Byrd. They married soon after and she became a stay at home mom to their four children, until the youngest was in school. She then began working at Sears part-time where she enjoyed 25 years of employment and made many lifetime friends.

Kathryn was always taking care of someone, if not her children, then a neighbor or her grandchildren, then later her husband through Alzheimer’s.

She was always up for an adventure and ready to travel at a moment’s notice.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, Odell; sons, Terry and David; sisters, Jewell Garret, Angie Whisenant, Earlyne Broadway and Virgie Mullins; and a brother, John Helms.

Survivors include her son, Gary (Sharon) of Dallas, TX; daughter, Cathy O’Connell (Ged); grandchildren, Rebecca Maddox (Dwight), Kelly Magre (Daniel), Doug O’Connell (Emily), and Craig O’Connell; and her great-grandson, Cooper.

A service to celebrate Kathryn’s life will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 in the chapel of Arch L. Heady-Cralle Funeral Home, 2428 Frankfort Ave. Burial will follow at Cave Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8 PM on Tuesday at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the staff of Signature Cherokee for all of their loving care of “Lady Byrd.”

Expressions of sympathy may be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Please visit www.archlheadycralle.com to leave a condolence for the family.