Mary Byrd

Franklin, NC - Mary Strain Byrd, age 97, of Franklin, NC, passed away Thursday, May 21, 2009, in a local nursing home. She was born in Baldwin, GA, the daughter of the late Floyd and Norma Stewart Strain. She was married to the late Clint Byrd. She was a graduate of Franklin High School and Western Carolina Teachers College. She taught school 36 years in Macon County, teaching at Kyle, Holly Springs, Clarks Chapel, Mulberry and Otto until her retirement in 1975. She was a member and past President of Macon County Retired School Personnel, and past President of Macon County NCAE. She was the oldest member of First Presbyterian Church, and a member of Ruth Circle.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Ruth Byrd of Franklin, NC; a brother-in-law, Thad Byrd and his wife Laura of Franklin, NC, several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her son, Scott Byrd, her two sisters, Flora Richardson and Harriett Phillips and her two brothers, Irvin Strain and Robert Strain.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 24, 2009 at 3:00pm at First Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Bob Abel officiating. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be John Phillips, Paul Phillips, Joe Phillips, Jerry Fulbright, David Woods, and Brian Stram. Honorary pallbearers will be members of Ruth Circle and members of Macon County Retired School Personnel.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00pm Saturday evening at Bryant-Grant Funeral Home, where the body will remain until placed in the Church, thiry minutes prior to the service. Memorials may be made the American Cancer Society, PO Box 1648, Franklin, NC 28744 or to the Music Department of the First Presbyterian Church, 26 Church Street, Franklin, NC 28734.

Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.