Byrd, Rosa – departed this life on the morning of July 24, 2012. She was the fifth of nine children born to George, Sr. and Olivia Byrd in Fountain Inn, South Carolina on November 10, 1919. Early in her life the family moved to Knoxville, Tennessee. She completed her education at Austin High School and then attended Tennessee State University.
She will be most remembered for her cooking skills and her hospitality. Everyone that entered her home was offered a delicious meal. As her life progressed, Rosa became the caregiver for her mother in her elder years. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing to create her own clothing.
Rosa was preceded in death by her sisters Wille Mae Gaddis, Ruth Walker and Curlee Lyons: and brothers Theron Byrd, and Lee Roy Byrd. Throughout her life, Rosa enjoyed the company of her niece Cheryl (Henry) Cardwell of Knoxville and nephew Michael Hutchinson of Hillsborough, NC.
In her later years she was cared for by her beloved sister Edith (Fredrick) Jackson of Knoxville who will cherish her memory and life. She also leaves her brother Reverend George Byrd, Jr. of Knoxville; sister Eliza (Luther) Anderson of Upper Marlboro, MD and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of NHC Fort Sanders and Caris Health Care for the excellent care they provided Rosa.
On Sunday, July 29, 2012, the family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the funeral to follow at Unity Mortuary Chapel. Rev. Johnny R. Watson, Sr. officiating. Interment will take place at New Gray Cemetery where a full dove release will conclude the service.
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