Wanna Lee Byrd

Wanna Lee Byrd, 86, of North Little Rock, Arkansas passed away December 15, 2022. Wanna was born on August 27, 1936 in North Little Rock, Arkansas; the daughter of James Brady and Mary Etta (Boerner) Machen. She was raised by her loving late grandmother, Carrie Lee (Sneed) Machen, and her late aunt, Meta Machen. She married her husband, Mirl Thomas Byrd on January 20, 1964, sharing 58 years of marriage. Wanna graduated from St. Joseph’s Nursing School in Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1957 and worked in healthcare for many years as a registered nurse. Wanna was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of North Little Rock.

Wanna enjoyed Native American Art and folklore, played organ and piano at church and on stage, loved to dance, loved to travel, and loved her grandchildren, who she called her angel babies.

Wanna leaves to continue her legacy her daughters, Carrie Post and her husband Steve of Little Rock, Victoria Lamb and her husband Jon of Little Rock, his son Michael Byrd and wife Jennifer of North Little Rock, five grandchildren Brandon Steinsiek and his wife Katie, Kristen Steinsiek, Samantha Byrd, Madyson Lamb, Mason Lamb, a great granddaughter Nevaeh Miller; brother, John Austen, sister, Mary Rose Keele, as well as countless friends and extended family.

Wanna is preceded in death by her husband, Mirl Thomas Byrd, parents, grandmother, aunt, brother, Frank Machen and brother William Austen.

Honorary pallbearers are Pat Koch, David Rainbolt, Sandra Walker, Jackie Pickering, Betty Wagoner and Nancy Lamb.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 19, 2022 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, with a Rosary Service beginning at 6:30 PM at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 beginning at 10:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 7000 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock, officiated by Fr. John Wakuve. A graveside service will be held following the Mass at Rest Hills Memorial Park.