MARY A. BYRD was born on February 22, 1948 in Farmville, Virginia to the late James and Mamie Miller. She was the second of twelve children, five of which preceded her in death(James, Jr., Deborah, Joseph, Catherine and Frank).

She moved to Baltimore with her family in the mid 1950's where she continued her secular education in the Baltimore City Public Schools.  She completed her studies at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.

She married the true love of her life, Ernest Byrd, on October 13, 1975. Together they raised four children and several of their grand. One daughter Veronica, whom everyone called "Ronnie", predeceased her.

Mary confessed Christ at the Jerusalem Baptist Church where she was baptized under the leadership of Rev. Mamie Johnson Cooley. She later joined the New Antioch Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Orlando Wilson. In 2013, she joined the Ray of Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Charles M. Franklin, Jr., where she served faithfully until her passing. She was a member of the C.M. Franklin Inspirational Mass Choir and also served on the Ray of Hope Day and Pastor's Anniversary Committees. She attended Bible Study regularly and looked forward to going with the church on its communications. 

Mary was employed by the Baltimore City Public School System where she worked for several years in Food Services. Although she retired from the workplace, she never grew tired of cooking. Like her mother and grandmother before her, she cooked for large groups on a regular basis. It was a known fact that on any holiday, Sunday as well and even throughout the week, you could surely get a good meal over at Mary's.

Mary loved her family. Her grandchildren were her world. Her husband was her heart and her children occupied deep spaces within her where only God knew.

Suddenly on Good Friday, April 14, 2017, following a brief illness, Mary passed from labor to reward. She is safely home and now free of the cares of this world.

 She leaves to cherish fond memories: her loving husband, Ernest Byrd; two sons, Antoine and Kevin; one daughter, Samantha; nine grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Irene (Obie); five brothers, Sherman, Leon (Gloria), Bobby, Vernon and Andrew; in-laws, Frances and Shank; many nieces and nephews; six aunts, and a host of cousins, other relatives, her church family and friends.  

 Service Information