Helen "Teeny" Byrd Rainey

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Ms. Helen “Teeny” Byrd Rainey, 90, on Thursday, August 23, 2024 at the Hospice Home by her loving family. Born in Kinston, NC she was the daughter of the late Edward Byrd and Vendetta Lee Byrd and was married for over 65 years to Wilkie Burton Rainey who passed in 2010.

Teeny was a member of Burlington Assembly of God, where she worshiped for many years. Since she was young, she has always loved to shag dance, especially at Fat Harold’s Beach Club in Myrtle Beach, SC. She and her husband were avid Duke Fans and loved to attend games as well as tailgate on Duke's campus. Teeny was the Matriarch of her family, she was the one everyone went to for advice and she loved them dearly, including her fur babies; Maxie and Grace. 

Teeny is survived by her daughters; Simone Dodd and husband, Kenneth who lived with her the last five years to help look after her, Nicky Kernodle and husband; Frank of Surf Side Beach, SC. and Stephanie Tallent and husband, Jimmy or Murrells Inlet, SC. Grandchildren; Randall Beam of N. Myrtle Beach, SC. and Clayton Kernodle, step grandson; Benjamin Dodd, brothers; David Byrd and wife, June and Wilson Scott and wife, Janice as well as special nieces, nephews and cousins; Joe Rouse, Cindy Bordes and Rodney Byrd. Teeny was preceded in death by her husband; Wilkie Rainey, parents; Edward and Vendetta Byrd and brothers; Roger Byrd and wife, Jean and Billy Scott and wife, Nancy. 

There will be a service to celebrate Teeny’s life at a later date when the family is ready.