Jerilyn Byrd

Jerilyn W. Byrd, known as Nana and Honey to her grandchildren, age 87 of Semmes, AL (residing in Knoxville) passed away peacefully on February 25, 2024, at Sacred Ground Hospice House in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her husband Eddis E. Byrd, her parents J.D. and Ina Mae Walters, her brother Roger C. Walters and wife Mertle (Sally) Walters.

Jerilyn was a graduate of Semmes H.S. and retired from AmSouth Bank (First National Bank of Mobile) where she was one of the first two female officers early in her career. When visiting the bank it was not uncommon to see her assisting her customers with their bank statements, some of which left a bag of tomatoes or beans under their chair. She was an avid reader and very well respected in the Semmes community where for many years she served as Treasurer for Semmes First Baptist Church.

She is survived by her son Russell E. Byrd (Gina Armagost Byrd) of Knoxville, TN; daughters Karen Byrd Dempsey (Robert) of Mukilteo, WA, and Angela Byrd Cooley (Lee) of Semmes, AL along with seven grandchildren; Sarah Byrd Humphreys (Charlie), Hannah Byrd, Amber Dempsey, M. Chase Dempsey, Anna Benezue, Colby Andrews (Elizabeth), Connor Andrews (Elisha), two great grandchildren Oliva Bloch and Arthur Humphreys and Sister Linda Dockery, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was a faithful and loving wife and mother, she had a passion for deep sea fishing, sewing and quite often made evening gowns for the monthly dances she would attend with her husband. While sitting on the back deck at home, enjoying the squirrels and birds golfers would regularly yell out “Hello Honey” to her as they passed by or retrieved their golf balls from the yard. She was living her life with Alzheimer’s known as “The Long Goodbye.” Friends and neighbors would politely listen to her life stories, told exactly the same way every time they heard them. She regularly ended her stories referring to herself as “The Ole Gray Mare – she ain’t what she use to be – but she’s still kickin.”

The family will receive friends Saturday March 2, 2024, from 4:00 PM -7:00 PM for a Celebration of Life at Russell & Gina’s residence.

The family will receive friends Saturday March 9, 2024, from 12:00 PM -1:30 PM at Semmes First Baptist Church. A Memorial Service to follow officiated by Pastor Eric Sexton and a short graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully request that donations be sent to Sacred Grounds Hospice House in Knoxville, Tennessee.