Lorna Elaine Roberts Byrd

Elaine Roberts Byrd, a native and lifelong resident of Mobile, AL, was born on September 25, 1939, and passed away September 3, 2017, surrounded by her adoring husband of 60 years and family. She met her husband when they were barely teenagers when he moved in next door, and have been inseparable ever since. High school sweethearts at Murphy High School, she graduated in 1957. They were married March 28, 1958. They held hands everywhere they went- he always referring to her as “his girl”, and she always referring to him as “my Jerry”. The “Notebook” had nothing on these two” I want all of you, forever, you and me, everyday”…and they did just that for over sixty years.

Elaine had three passions: being a wife, being a mother/grandmother, and her art…she was exceptional at all three, and a true southern beauty.

Elaine was an accomplished artist, well known and respected within the artist community of Mobile and beyond. She was best known for her oil and acrylic paintings of wildlife and portraits, winning the Alabama Duck Stamp contest for her “Hooded Merganser” in 1989. She was also commissioned by Pete Sampras to paint his portrait, titled “The Youngest Ever”, to commemorate winning the Grand Slam Tournament Cup at age 19 years. She was also the president of the Mobile Art Association in her younger years.

Elaine is survived by her loving and devoted husband, H. Gerald “Jerry” Byrd, son Van (Cindy) Byrd of Mobile, daughter Karen (Carlo) Gray, of Mobile; three grandsons: Scott and David Byrd, and B.J. Edmonds, all of Mobile; two brothers, Don Roberts of Mobile and Darrel Roberts of Pensacola; cousin/sister Celeste Anderson of Mobile; and a host of beloved cousins, nephews, nieces and in-laws. She was preceded in death by her parents, Emory and Agnes Roberts of Mobile. Thank you to her caregivers Alecia, Katherine and Natasha, and the wonderful nurses at the Covenant Care unit at Providence Hospital.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal”… Momma/Lainie you are so dearly loved and you loved us so perfectly, so just know that your memory will forever linger in our hearts and your beauty never forgotten.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at Radney Funeral Home Mobile, with a Funeral Service on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com for the Byrd family.