Betty Rebecca Ferguson Byrd, 63, of Fayetteville died on September 11, 2016 at West Georgia Hospice in LaGrange, Ga. after a year-long battle with leiomyosarcoma.
Becky was born April 6, 1953 in LaGrange to the late Doy Leon Ferguson and Betty Proctor Ferguson. She attended public schools in LaGrange and graduated from LaGrange High School. Becky received her B.A. in Early Childhood Education in 1974 and her M.Ed. in elementary Education in 1981 from LaGrange College. Upon graduation Becky taught at J.W. Arnold Elementary in Jonesboro and Robert J. Burch Elementary in Tyrone. She especially loved teaching Creative Writing and American History. Becky retired in 2008 after teaching 30 yrs.
Becky was a member of Fayetteville First United Methodist Church and especially loved how welcoming and all inclusive everyone was there. She always loved the music. After retirement Becky joined the Fayette-Starr’s Mill Chapter of the DAR and Book Club. She loved genealogy and spent many hours tracing family ancestry. Becky enjoyed attending luncheons with her retired friends from both J.W. Arnold and Robert J. Burch. Being outside with Randy in her yard with her flower gardens was a favorite hobby of hers. She was happiest being a wife, mother, and embraced her daughter-in-law Alicia with much love and joy. Being “BeBe” to Griffin and Harrison was the highlight in her life.
Becky is survived by her husband of 43 years, Randy Byrd; son, Billy Byrd of Fayetteville; son, Andrew Byrd and his wife Alicia of Houston, Texas; grandsons, Griffin age 6 and Harrison age 2 of Houston, Texas; her sister, Janet Ferguson Loftin and her husband Lamar of Dothan, Ala.; her brother, Lee Ferguson and his wife Pam of Pine Mountain, Ga,; a niece Brandi ( Thomas) Dailey of Auburn, Ala.; nephews, Ben Loftin of Dothan, Ala.; John Loftin of New York, N.Y.; Matthew Ferguson (Kristen Burnett of St Augustine, Fla.); great niece Macy Dailey; great nephews, Evan Dailey, Liam Dailey and Ellis Loftin; her sister-in-laws, Donna Byrd Thompson and family of LaGrange, Ga. and Cheryl Byrd Henderson and family of Powder Springs, Ga.
A private family service was held. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Fayetteville.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may contribute to the American Diabetes Association, 1701 North Beauregard St., Alexandria, Va. 22311 or Fayetteville First United Methodist Church in memory of Becky Byrd.
Those wishing to share condolences or remembrance with family may do so by visiting www.mowellfuneralhome.com.
