Inez Byrd

Burlington, NC Inez Elizabeth Kelly Byrd, age 88 of Briarcliff Road went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at Alamance Regional Medical Center. She was born on November 19, 1918 in Coats, NC to James B. and Ida Fuquay Kelly, the youngest of ten children. Inez was an excellent student and was Salutatorian of her high school graduating class at Coats High School. She married her high school sweetheart Robert R.K. Kelton Byrd on July 4, 1937, who preceded her in death on September 24, 1990. Inez worked as a secretary until her children were born, and from that point on devoted an endless supply of love to her husband, children, and eventually her grandchildren who she adored, and family was the focus for the rest of her life. Inez was a member of Glen Hope Baptist Church for over 50 years, where she served for many years as the secretary of the former Courtesy Bible Sunday School Class. In her earlier years, she was known for her talents as a cook and a seamstress. She enjoyed flower arranging and beautiful flowers were a special love of hers. She also loved country music. Survivors include her daughter, Dr. Cindy Dunham of Greensboro, NC and her son, Robert Bob K. Byrd, Jr. of Graham, NC; her beloved grandchildren, Kathryn Elizabeth-Marie Dunham, Megan Danielle Byrd and Christopher Bryan Byrd; her sister, Margarette Meeks of Sanford. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sisters, Cora Bradley, Janie Pendergrass and Lilla Perkins; brothers, Garland, Kenneth, Marvin, Palmer and Hoyle Kelly. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Glen Hope Baptist Church by Rev. Larry Redding and Rev. Bob Stephenson and the burial will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. on Saturday at the church prior to the service and other times at 1017 Briarcliff Road from noon until 8 p.m on Friday. Lowe Funeral Home and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Her children would like to express special thanks to her caregivers, Frances Sizemore, Edna Harrelson and Bessie Watkins. As a result of their tireless care and devotion she was able to remain in her own home until the time of her death, where she continually enjoyed the company of her children and grandchildren, family, friends, neighbors and her beautiful flowers. Memorials may be made to Glen Hope Baptist Church, 911 North Avenue, Burlington, NC 27215. Condolences may be sent to the family at info@lowefuneralhome.com