Elizabeth Byrd

Elizabeth L. Byrd departed this life at age 92 in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
Affectionately known to all as “Beetsie,” Elizabeth was the daughter of Harvey and Edwardine Chinn of Biloxi, who predeceased her. Elizabeth was also predeceased by her husband, Lionel “Sonny” Byrd, Jr.; a daughter, Elizabeth Ann Byrd; a son, Glenn Michael Byrd and a great grandson, Benjamin Phillips; five sisters, Julia Wellman, Alice James, Catherine “Putta” Joachim (Mark), Marion Huber (George) and Mildred Mallett (Rufus); and a brother, David “Buddy” Chinn.

A mother to six, and “like a mother” to many, her family was her life. She was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and later attended Christ the King Mission Catholic Church in Latimer.

Elizabeth attended Sacred Heart School in Biloxi. While Lionel was in the Navy, they lived in the Republic of Trinidad. She often shared fond memories of that time well into her advanced years. Elizabeth and Lionel owned and operated Byrd’s TV and Appliance store in Biloxi for over 45 years. Beetsie was a crossword enthusiast, a Jeopardy fan, a trivia buff, and enjoyed the Biloxi casinos. She had a contagious laugh and lovely voice especially when singing with the Putta Sisters.

Elizabeth is survived by two sons, Roger A. Byrd (Sonya) and Gerald L. Byrd; two daughters, Mary Lynn Manning (Paul) and Janet Sinclair (Norman); seven grandchildren, Sean Byrd (Amber), Reagan Byrd, Morgan Byrd (Ian Ward), Lauren Phillips (Franklin “Chip”), Kallie Byrd, Conrad Sinclair and Cameron Sinclair; and four great grandsons, Franklin Hadley Phillips, IV, Harrison Byrd Phillips, William Bowen Phillips and Rowan James Phillips; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass and celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Christ the King Mission Catholic Church, 6705 Jim Ramsey Road, Vancleave, Mississippi, 39565.

RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Ocean Springs, served the family. An online guestbook may be signed and memories share at www.riemannfamily.com