Penny Ann Byrd

Born May 4, 1947 in Peoria to Walter and Jeanette (McCullough) Ziemer, she married Larry D. Byrd on August 31, 1969. He passed away on May 23, 2016 after 46 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her parents.

After losing her father at age four, her loving grandmother, Margaret Walter, raised her along with a family friend who became her father figure, George Phillips.

Surviving are her older brother who she adored, Robert (Sandi) Clark of Wyoming; her children, Tammy (Rick) Hyatt of Pekin, Larry (Jenny) Byrd of South Pekin, Jill (AL) Moore of Normal and Mike Belville of Florida; one stepdaughter, Doreen (Tim) Musselman of Metamora; 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren and as well as several beloved nieces and nephews.

Penny was a hairstylist at Detail’s Hair Design and Sadler’s Hair Care Center in Pekin. In all she was a beautician for over 35 years before retiring in 2019.

When she wasn’t working or cooking, you could find her playing a game of Canasta, Chicken foot, or Aggravation with her best friend of 65 years, Janice Holeman. Penny loved Janice and all of the Holeman’s, and considered all of them to be her extended family.

She loved Cher, Blake Shelton, dancing, going to the movies, reading and all animals. She was the type of person who would take anyone into her home if they were in need, regardless of if they walked on 2 legs or 4. She was a friend to all.

In her younger years, she was a member of the Sunset Bowling League, as well as a Willow and Jefferson School room mother. Mawmaw will be dearly missed.

Her celebration of life will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, December 12, 2021 at the Miller Center in Pekin. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to CEFCU benefit memorial fund for the funeral cost: account number 1696839 or Pet Foster Outreach Fundraiser: https:// https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.Facebook.com/donate/4608139735931011/__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!Zx-GxIvc7WJd6LmcdzzrM39GEu6o6Z_EItXAw1GWgxeXo21nmP6EEifJBvf2laxSsd0x46j3BbY$.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com