Jeanette Byrd

Today, we celebrate and honor the life of Mrs. Jeanette Byrd. Her light and endless love will surely be missed but will forever remain in our hearts.

Born on November 23rd, 1937, in Georgia she was one of five children to Gertrude and Lindsey Bloodser.  Ms. Jeanette grew up in the city of Forsyth. She attended school at Hopewell and after her studies, went on to become a custodian for Mercer University for an outstanding 37-year career!

Ms. Jeanette married Charlie Henry “Nank” Byrd and raised a family of 4 children: Willie, Jeanelle, Todd, and Marty.  She was known as the neighborhood mom.  Her home was open to all.  Family, neighborhood kids, and friends would come to visit and spend time with her to enjoy her delicious cooking.  She was infamously known for her German Chocolate, Hummingbird, and Red Velvet cakes as well as her sweet potato pie.  Ms. Jeanette would have lines of freshly baked cakes resting on her porch while family members and her beloved neighbors on-looked, patiently waiting for their turn to grab a slice!  At the annual church’s homecoming, her renowned sweet potato pies would somehow “disappear” from the serving table prior to anyone enjoying a slice.  Everyone would ask “where is Jeanette’s pie”?  What fun times!

In addition to being known for her phenomenal cooking, she also loved to travel with her family and friends on the sightseeing bus tours.  Her travels included: New York, Mississippi, Alabama and many other places. She was brave enough to take her first airplane flight “over all of that water” to Hawaii.  She loved the experience. Can’t say enough about how she enjoyed playing the slot machines in Atlantic City and Las Vegas.  Famous words…”I almost hit the “Big One”.    In addition, she always looked forward to her regular visits with her California family. It was quite special.  

She became a dedicated church member of Hopewell United Methodist Church in Forsyth, Georgia and was an integral part of the United Women’s Committee.  She was so faithful in her studies and divine duties to serve the Lord. Not only was she a part of the United Women’s Committee, but she also served as an Usher for Hopewell.

 In every facet she touched, she was known to be hardworking, dedicated, and above all else a loving daughter, mother, aunt, cousin, and friend.  She is survived by her sister, Mrs. Francis Fuller; her four children, Willie, Jeanelle (Eric), Todd (Rachel), and Marty, and her three grandchildren, Jeanaye, Gerard, and Brandon (Fredrina).

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