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Barbara Ann Lofton Byrd

Mrs. Barbara Ann Lofton Byrd, 80, of Brookhaven went peacefully to be with her Lord on April 18, 2020, at her residence.

She was born on December 17, 1939, to the late Clint Edward Lofton and Virgie Ruth Maxwell Lofton.

 

Mrs. Byrd was a 1957 graduate of West Lincoln Attendance Center, where she was selected as Miss West Lincoln and helped lead the Lady Bears

to an Overall State Basketball Championship.

She was a longtime member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where she served faithfully and enjoyed singing in the choir.

She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, who took care of her family and sweetheart, Tez, of almost 63 years.

She was not only known as “NaNa” to her family but to so many others who knew and loved her and her sweet smile.

 

Preceding her in death were her parents; in-laws, Louis “Tuck” and Gladys Watts Byrd; brother, Fleet Lofton and great-nephew, Russ Michael Mangold.

 

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Louis Cortez Byrd; son, Terry Louis Byrd, and wife, Liz; daughter, Tonya Byrd Stewart, and husband, Gary.

She is also survived by her 4 grandchildren, Kelli Byrd Miller and husband, Hal, Kolby Cortez Byrd and wife, Karlee, Clint Byrd Stewart, and wife, Elizabeth and Caroline Miriam Stewart.

Additional blessings are her great-grandchildren, Maggie and Olivia Miller, Knox Stewart and baby Byrd, due in September. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Martha Cato Lofton

and a host of other family members.

With deep appreciation, the family wishes to thank her caregivers and a special thank you to Brenda Hewitt and Kimberly Dearborn for your kind and patient nurturing and loving dedication.

Memorials can be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church

2162 Old Hwy 84 W Brookhaven MS 39601

Media

17 comments

  • Comment Link Ann Picklesimer Tuesday, 21 April 2020 23:02 posted by Ann Picklesimer

    To All of the Byrd Family
    I want to tell you all how sad I am to learn of Ms Barbaras passing... you will ALL be in my prayers for the days ahead... I know this is truly a sad time for all of you... Ms Barbara was always so kind to me ... I will always remember her for that. My Uncle Wes And Aunt Thelma genuinely loved Ms Barbara And Aunt Thelma would tell me how kind she was to her at church after they moved back down here from Jackson. She was a very good customer to me all the years that I had Annie P Goodies and I am deeply saddened by the news of her passing... prayers for all of you in the days ahead .

    Report
  • Comment Link Leslie Smith Monday, 20 April 2020 16:23 posted by Leslie Smith

    So very sorry Tonya! Prayers sweet friend!

    Report
  • Comment Link James and Linda Moak Monday, 20 April 2020 15:59 posted by James and Linda Moak

    We are so sorry to hear of this we will keep you and your family in our prayers as you go through this time Mrs Barbara was such a sweet lady and she will be missed by all of us. Prayers

    Report
  • Comment Link Hilda Stephens Monday, 20 April 2020 15:09 posted by Hilda Stephens

    Cortez, Tonya, and Terry and families, I have had you in my prayers. I know you will miss her but know that she is in a better place. I am sure there is much rejoicing in heaven by Clint and Virgie Ruth. She was a great cousin and we spent many years together growing up. Just wanted you all to know that I would have been there but too much going on in our world right now. Maybe I can visit with some of you at a later time.
    Love all of you
    Hilda Lofton Stephens

    Report
  • Comment Link Lavern Wallace Hardin Monday, 20 April 2020 13:17 posted by Lavern Wallace Hardin

    Tonya, I’ve had you and your family in my
    Thoughts and Prayers! I loved your mother, she was a special lady. I knew she and Fleet in their basketball days. And when she came back to Brookhaven and your dad built all the wood companies, I got close to her again, your Aunt Martha is one of my special friends too. I think she thought Barbara as s sister. Love you too ! Prayers are with you!

    Report
  • Comment Link Larry Harvey Monday, 20 April 2020 10:25 posted by Larry Harvey

    Prayers ???? for the family

    Report
  • Comment Link Buck  Agnes Ratlliff Monday, 20 April 2020 08:09 posted by Buck Agnes Ratlliff

    Tonya nd Family, I am so sorry about the loss of your mother. It shows, in you what kind of a person your Mother was. I think you are one of the sweetest and most gracious ladies that I have ever known. And I truly mean that! It has been such a blessing to get to know you, Gary, Caroline, Clint and Elizabeth and especially Knox! Please know that we are praying for all of you! It will be so good to be able to get back together again when the dust settles down on this virus and in church again! Love all of You! "In My Fathers House there are many mansions; if it were not so; I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." That place was prepared for
    your Mother when she entered the Gates of Heaven! What a glorious time that must have been!!! Much Love! Buck & Agnes

    Report
  • Comment Link KENT SANDERS OTT Monday, 20 April 2020 07:24 posted by KENT SANDERS OTT

    So sorry to hear this news. What a lady!!! Praying for the Byrd family!!!

    Report
  • Comment Link Marleta crawford Monday, 20 April 2020 05:19 posted by Marleta crawford

    She was a precious lady and I will never forget her. She gave me Tonya's baby clothes for my little girl Michelle. She was very sweet and loved her family. She will be greatly missed. Comfort and peace to her family!!!! God has a new angel.

    Report
  • Comment Link Charlotte M Laird Sunday, 19 April 2020 23:27 posted by Charlotte M Laird

    Psalm 116:15
    “Precious in the sight of The Lord is the death of His saints .”

    We loved Mrs. Barbara Byrd. She was always so kind. She was a beautiful Christian lady and it was an honor to get to know her.
    We send condolences to her family. We will be remembering Mr. Cortez and all of her family and to her caregivers in our prayers.
    In Christ Love
    James and Charlotte Laird

    Report
  • Comment Link Christi Mills Sunday, 19 April 2020 19:20 posted by Christi Mills

    Her contagious smile and sweet spirit will be missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

    Report
  • Comment Link Brenna D Smith Sunday, 19 April 2020 14:12 posted by Brenna D Smith

    Tonya I’m so sad for your loss. She surely was a jewel!??

    Report
  • Comment Link Chris Turnage Sunday, 19 April 2020 12:50 posted by Chris Turnage

    My prayers are with you.. She was amazing, kind, sweet, and a great personality... much love

    Report
  • Comment Link Barry Newell Sunday, 19 April 2020 09:18 posted by Barry Newell

    Cortez, Tonya, Terry & Family:
    I extend to you my condolences in
    Barbara's passing. Praying for you and
    may God's peace and comfort be with
    you at this time and in the days to come.
    Barry Newell

    Report
  • Comment Link Wanda Beach Saturday, 18 April 2020 22:09 posted by Wanda Beach

    Prayers for your family.

    Report
  • Comment Link Linda Tucker Saturday, 18 April 2020 20:36 posted by Linda Tucker

    So sorry to read this. One beautiful lady inside and out! Heaven must surely be rejoicing! Linda Tucker

    Report
  • Comment Link Ann Young Saturday, 18 April 2020 20:03 posted by Ann Young

    So sorry for your loss. I so enjoyed getting to know her. I shared a cabin on my first Alaskan cruise with her. REST IN PEACE!

    Report

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