Emily Bell Sivley Byrd of Greenwood, MS, died Wednesday, October 5, 2016, at Riverview Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. She was born on March 29, 1934, in Tallahatchie County and grew up in Phillip, MS. She graduated from West Tallahatchie High School and was employed in retail businesses such as Gibson's and Penney's for many years. Mrs. Byrd was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Greenwood and enjoyed singing in the choir, assisting with the kitchen and flower committees, and participating in WMU and Keenagers.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Tollie T. Sivley, Sr. and Della Mae "Tiny" Sivley Dean; her stepfather, Frank Dean; and siblings, Tollie T. Sivley, Jr., James L. Sivley, Virginia Sivley Steen, Dorothy Sivley Thorson, and Hubert R. Sivley.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, George O. "Jack" Byrd, Jr. of Greenwood, MS, and her two sons, George O. Byrd III (Laura) of Grenada, MS, and Gregory S. Byrd of Grenada, MS; her grandchildren, Geoffrey D. Byrd (Mistie) of Richland, MS, Davis G. Byrd (Mallory) of Starkville, MS, Justin T. Byrd of Grenada, MS, and Kristi Byrd Goss (Eric) of Grenada, MS. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren; Gracie, Landry, Lawson, Lucy, Aedan, and Masen; sister-in-law, Shirley Byrd Cascio (Anthony) of Greenwood, MS, and many extended family members.
Funeral services will be held at Wilson and Knight Funeral Home on Saturday, October 8, 2016, at 11:00. Visitation will begin at 10:00 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery. Rev. Charlie Jones will officiate.
Pallbearers will be Billy Cox, Roy Smith, Alton Brewer, Geoffrey Byrd, Davis Byrd, and Justin Byrd. Wilson & Knight Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
The family requests that memorial contributions are made to Calvary Baptist Church, 4644 Billy Stone Rd., Greenwood, MS, in lieu of flowers.