Mary Rollins Byrd, daughter of the late William and Lelia Rollins, quietly departed this life to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 after a long illness.

Mary was born on September 17, 1922 in Lauraville, Virginia. She was the fourth of seven siblings and educated in the Caroline County Public Schools. She was employed by Foreign Domestic Wood, Sparta Market and Caroline County Public Schools. During World War II, Mary serviced as a cargo monitor for the Silver Air Defense.

At an early age she joined St. Stephens Baptist Church where she sang on the choir. She was a faithful Christian and devoted many hours of service to the "Woman's Day Captain" organization.

On October 18, 1943 Mary was joined in holy matrimony to the late George J. Byrd. To this union was born nine children, two sons preceded her in death, Kermit and Donald McKee Byrd and one grandson Donald Albert Johnson.

Mary was a loving, giving and thoughtful sister, wife, mother, aunt and friend. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to everyone. She was known for her love for fishing the Dallas Cowboys and her famous lemon pies.

To the caregivers, Marjorie Martin, Addie Terrell and Drucella Baylor, words will never express our gratitude and love for you. You provided smiles, laughter, protection,
patience and most of all love. Special thanks to Bon-Secours Hospice.

She leaves to cherish her memory, five daughters; Barbara O'Neal ( John) of Champlain, Virginia, Joanne Maxine Johnson ( Donald) of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Lelia Fortune ( Keith) of Bowling Green, Virginia, Donna and Lydia Byrd of Ruther Glen, Virginia; two sons, Maynard Byrd of Ft. Wayne Indiana and Bennie Byrd ( Donna)
of Fredericksburg, Virginia; fifteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Carrie Rollins of Bowling Green, Virginia; four special nieces, Betty Byrd of Sperryville, Virginia, Kathy Harmon of Bowie, Maryland, Doris Harvey of King William, Virginia and Thelma Newman of San Maria, California; a loving nephew, Michael Rollins whom was like a son that devoted his time caring for his aunt that he so dearly loved; a special friend, Florence Richardson of Milford, Virginia.

A viewing will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2017 at C.W. Edwards Funeral Home, 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427 with family receiving friends from 7 to 8 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 11, 2017 at St. Stephens Baptist Church, 29436 Sparta Road, Milford, Virginia with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Rev Marvin Mills will deliver the eulogy and Pastor Michael Ferguson will be officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.