Mary Louise Byrd

Mary Louise Stevens Byrd, age 86, cherished wife of 59 years to Clifford Donald Byrd, died Sunday, August 25, 2024 in Sumter, South Carolina. Louise was born on May 3, 1938 in Smithfield, North Carolina and is predeceased by her husband Clifford D. Byrd, parents Needham Sloan & Pauline Stevens, her infant son Jeffrey D. Byrd and siblings Helen S. Scott, Katherine S. Barnes, Alice S.Adams, and brother Needham Sloan (NS) Stevens, Jr.

Louise graduated from Smithfield High School in 1956 and The Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina in 1960.  During her career, Louise was an elementary school teacher at Goldsboro Christian School in Goldsboro, North Carolina and retired after 19 years in the Human Resources department of Sears in Panama City, Florida.

Louise is survived by a son, Christopher S. Byrd and wife June; two daughters, Debra Green and husband Don, Donna Rigo and husband Dan; four grandchildren, Matthew D. Miller II, Aaron S. Byrd, Jessica N. Miller, and Clifford T. Byrd, wife Haleigh; three great-grandchildren, Cloey E. Miller, Miley O. Miller and Jalen T. Byrd; one sister Joyce Underwood and many nieces and nephews.

Louise was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt.  She was an avid bridge player and loved knitting Christmas stockings for family, friends, and neighbors. She was committed to her husband and children and traveled the world supporting Clifford during his career in the United States Air Force. Louise retired in and was a resident of Panama City, Florida from 1976 until 2022. 
Louise was a gentle and kind soul, and she was adored by all. Honoring her wishes, she will be memorialized by immediate family members and will be laid to rest at the Tallahassee National Cemetery beside her husband Clifford at a later date.

Louise's favorite charities were St. Jude’s Children's Hospital and the ASPCA.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

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