Olivia Embry Byrd died Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009 at a local hospital.
She was born July 16, 1923 in Coosa County and felt her greatest reward was being a homemaker with privileges of serving God, family and the less fortunate.
She graduated from Massey-Draughn Business School in 1941 and worked as a legal secretary and in insurance and banking. She resided in Alexander City, from 1943-1986 where she was active in the First Baptist Church, Civic Clubs, United Way and The American Red Cross. She was named First Lady of Alexander City in 1976.
She was instrumental in the formation of Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults (Camp ASCCA). In 1996 she received the highest award for the continuous service in every capacity as a volunteer. She was a member of the Executive Board and Administration Committee of the Alabama Baptist Mission Board from 1971-77 and was a member of Alabama Baptist Christian Life Commission for six years.
She moved to Daphne in 1986. She was an active charter member of Eastern Shore Baptist Church, the Senior Golf Association at Lake Forest, Women’s Club, and the Eastern Shore Welcome Wagon.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Judge William Ivy Byrd.
Survivors include a son, Embry Byrd of Texas; three grandchildren, Ivey Welch and Melissa (Charles) Haney, both of Mobile, and William Byrd of Texas; three great-grandchildren, William Thomas Haney, Ivey Lee Haney and Lily Olivia Welch; many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation and a memorial service was held Monday, Sept. 28 at Eastern Shore Baptist Church. Interment will be at Trinity Baptist Church in Tanner Williams at 2 p.m.
The family requests memorial donations be made to Camp ASCCA, P.O. Box 21, Jackson Gap, AL 36861, The Eastern Shore Baptist Church, P.O. Box 128, Daphne, AL 36526, or any other Christian organization.
Arrangements are by Hughes Cremation & Funeral Service, Daphne. On-line condolences may be made at hughesfuneralservice.com.
