Ursula Inge Bird

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ursula Inge Bird (née Schwilk) on April 20, 2025 at the age of 89. She was born in Esslingen, Germany on October 24, 1935 to Emil and Frida Schwilk. At the time of her death, she lived at the Heritage in Memphis Tennessee. She died after a brief stay at the Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville Tennessee.

Ursula was the beloved wife of John Philip Bird. They met in Germany and were married May 6, 1958. She was the mother of three children, Catherine Branly, John Bird Jr (died 1975) and Robert Bird. Ursula was the proud grandmother of 6 grandchildren and a great grandmother of 13 great grandchildren. She is survived by her sister, Olivia Bornmann residing in Germany. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Herbert Schwilk and Ralph Schwilk, sisters Siegrid Schwilk and Rosemary Brown.

Ursula was a dedicated wife, following her husband, John Bird, through his 30 year Army career moving many times between Germany and the United States. She became a US citizen in 1962. Ursula was a loving mother, a wonderful cook and enjoyed hosting her family for special holidays. Her hobbies included swimming and teaching water aerobics at the spa.

Ursula always remembered her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren at birthdays and holidays. She will be greatly missed by her family and by her husband, John.

Memorial contributions can be made to The West Clinic Cancer Center in Germantown TN https://westcancerfoundation.org/support/

Or to the The Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville TN https://bmhgiving.org/how-we-help/our-community/baptist-reynolds-hospice-house