Johnnie Mae Byrd

Johnnie Mae Atwood Byrd was born to loving parents, the late George Atwood Sr and Roberta Hardin Atwood on September 8, 1928 in Austin, Texas. She transitioned to her heavenly home on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.

At the age of seven, she confessed her life to Christ at Williamson Creek Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the late Rev. Sneed. She attended L.C. Anderson High School and was employed by Jack and Nellie Andrewartha for 40 years. She was a faithful member of Mt. Zion until her health failed. She was active in Women's Ministry where she was part of the decoration committee. She was also part of the Silver Soldiers Ministry where she had the opportunity to fellowship and travel. Trips to Washington D.C., where she had the chance to visit the White House, and Arkansas to see the Passion Play were just a few things she remembered and fondly shared with others. She enjoyed working (biddling) in her yard and had a green thumb. She loved sitting on the front porch talking to her neighbors. She knew no stranger and she loved unconditionally. She exemplified compassion, honesty, trust, and loyalty. She looked forward to the holidays and family gatherings when we would get together and meet at the place-Big Mama's House. She lived a life of sacrifice, service and unwavering faith. She was always there to show love and support in any way she could for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and everyone else. She looked forward to going to eat shrimp at Sea Island and going to Fredericksburg every June to get her peaches and her field trips with Lawrence. She was united in Holy Matrimony on September 15, 1945 to Jesse James Byrd, Sr. and to this union four children were born.

Johnnie is preceded in death by her parents, George Atwood Sr. and Roberta Atwood, sister, Georgia Mae Atwood, husband, Jesse James Byrd Sr,, daughter, Rose Etta King, granddaughter, Lisa Rena King, grandson, Melvin(Sugar Bear) King, Jr., and her great-great-grandson, Jaxon Howard.

Johnnie leaves to cherish her memories her sons, Jesse James Byrd Jr(Betty) and Lawrence Byrd Sr.; daughter, Mary Ann Barnett (Norman) (Austin); grandchildren, Shonda Haywood, Teresa Brooks(Ronald), Tonya King, Darrell Barnett (Leslie), Donje Penn, Bobby Howard (Christine), Lawrence Byrd Jr, Cassandra Daniels (Kevin), Cassandria Rene Howard (Rodrick), and Derek Byrd; brothers,George Atwood Jr. and Andrew Atwood (Lois); sisters,Tommie Coffee, Mattie Johnson (Ulysses), Barbara Wilkins (Walter) and Mary Haynes (Pierce); 24 great-grandchildren and 21 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, relatives and friends and three bonus daughters, Barbara Washington, Geneva Brown and Juanita Westbrook, and bonus granddaughters, Dorothy Brady May and Alicia Childs.

A visitation for Johnnie will be held Monday, April 11, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville. Johnnie's homegoing celebration will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2938 E. 13th Street in Austin. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Byrd family.