Janice S Byrd

Janice "Jan" S. Byrd passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday June 23, 2015 after a brief illness with her family gathered at her bedside. She was born on April 1, 1936 to Roy M. and Cleo (Cartwright) Sheffield who preceded her in death. She graduated from Bonifay High School, Brevard Community College, and completed her baccalaureate degree at Florida Technological University and master's degree at Stetson University.

Jan was a devoted and caring mother to her children Debra Carol Byrd-Bredbenner (m. Carl Bredbenner) of Long Valley, NJ and Stanley T. Byrd (m. Irene Lewark) of Cocoa, FL. She was the adoring granny of Thomas, Nichelle, and Victoria Byrd, Sonia Sawhill, Christie Migdalski, and Van Lewark and great-granny of 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Carolyn S. Swan of San Antonio, TX and brother, John M. Sheffield of Longwood, FL. She was a true career woman at a time when few mothers were in the workforce full-time. Through example, she taught her family a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, unparalleled organizational skills, and deep curiosity while gracefully balancing the demands of a career and parenthood. Her career as an accountant continued in full-force until the end of her life, with many of her clients becoming fast and dear friends. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and community.

The family requests donations in her name be made to their favorite charity. Interment will be private. A reception honoring her life will be held on Saturday June 27, 2015 from 1 to 3 PM at Cocoa Rockledge Garden Club located at 1493 S. Fiske Blvd, Rockledge.