Shirley Ann Byrd

Shirley A. Byrd, age 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 7, 2025. Born and raised in Tennessee, Shirley lived a life rooted in love, family, and quiet strength.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Donald Byrd of Pioneer, Tennessee, and by her mother, Magnolia Webb.

Shirley is survived by her children:

• Ron Byrd and his wife, Deena, of Texas

• Phyllis Byrd of Iowa

• Jerry Byrd of Texas

• David Byrd and his wife, Bethany, of Colorado

She is also survived by her sisters: Elaine Kovacs and Linda Neal, both of New Jersey.

Shirley was a devoted grandmother and took great pride in her growing family. Her grandchildren include Scott Byrd and his wife Katleho of Iowa; Caroline Edgeton and her husband Jonathan of Iowa; Kayla Hornbrook and her husband Kyle Reardon of Washington, DC; Allison Roemmich and her husband Ben of Iowa; Josh Gowdy of Iowa; and Joe Gowdy and his wife Annie of Texas and Sebastain and Gracie of Colorado.

One of Shirley's greatest joys was spending time with her 9 great-grandchildren, who brought her endless happiness. She also cherished her many nieces and nephews, each holding a special place in her heart.

Shirley, along with her husband and her sisters and brothers-in-law-Imajean and Bill Miller, Joyce and Phil Ellis, and Henry Ward-were longtime members of the Southern Gospel Singers from Redkey, Indiana. Together, they spent many years traveling throughout the Midwest and the South, sharing their music at churches and venues. Shirley's beautiful voice is preserved on each of the group's six LP albums recorded in the late 1960s and 1970s.

In her later years, Shirley was a resident of a senior retirement community in South Texas, where she embraced a full and active life. She enjoyed the many activities, programs, entertainment events, and shared meals that brought her companionship and joy during her time there.

Shirley will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family and friends.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Salinas Funeral Home of Weslaco.