Mary Kathleen Byrd

Mary Kathleen Hayman Byrd, surrounded by her family, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at her home in Florence, MS. She was 88 years old. The family will receive friends and extended family for visitation from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2024, and again from 12:00-1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024, at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence, MS. The funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow the service at Clear Branch Cemetery in Florence.

Kathleen was born on May 20, 1935, to Roy Hayman and Veoda Shepherd Hayman in Simpson County, Mississippi. She has lived in Florence for the past 69 years where she was a member of Clear Branch Baptist Church. Kathleen loved God and her family. She loved reading her Bible and being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She enjoyed working in the cafeteria at Florence Elementary and she loved cooking family meals on Sunday for her family. Kathleen enjoyed singing, sewing, gardening, flowers, and embroidery. But she is best known for her homemade biscuits known as “Granny’s Biscuits”. She will truly be missed.

Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Vivian Hayman and Veoda Hayman; husband, Thomas Byrd; siblings, Bobbie Nell Williams, Lucille Perry, and Edward Earl Hayman. She is survived by her children, Dr. Joyce Byrd of Florence, Mary Blair (Randy) of Florence, Faye Smith (Mark) of Florence, Webb Byrd (Kathy) of Nashville, TN, Paul Byrd (Tina) of Florence, and Tim Byrd (Starla) of Florence; 10 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; sister Hazel Taylor of Pinola; brother, Royce Hayman (Margaret) of Canton; sister-in-law, Carla Hayman of Canton; family pet, Andy Taylor; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.