Rebecca Ercelle  Byrd entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at Mary Washington Hospital. She was born June 5, 1926 to Rebecca Ann Vessels Deyo and Richard Devoy Deyo in Caroline County, Virginia. Ercelle was preceded in death by  her husband of seventy years, Melvin, O. Byrd, Jr (Blootsy); her sister, Madge Richards Blair,(Robert) and brothers; Richard B. (Bessie), Russell B. and Boyd D. Deyo.

Ercelle was educated in Caroline County Public Schools and after graduation from Union High School, she attended Virginia State College. She was employed for over thirty years by the Caroline County Public Schools System as a food service provider. She also enjoyed caring for the generations of young children who came through her cafeterias.

At an early age, Ercelle began her Christian journey joining Jerusalem Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend A.P. Young and attending First Mount Zion Baptist Church, near her home and where she attended elementary school . After marriage, Ercelle became an active member of Saint Stephen's Baptist Church where over the years she served faithfully as an usher, Youth Sunday School Teacher, a member of the Missionary Circle, where she served as treasurer, Fund Raising Captain for the Annual Women's Day and Building Fund Drives. Officially and unofficially, Ercelle was always leading and participating in any Kitchen and Food Committee efforts, even in her senior years.
Always a strong supporter of the Church Sunday School, she could be found Sunday mornings reading the scripture for the lesson of the day including the Sunday of her terminal event.

On October 9, 1946, Ercelle was joined in holy matrimony to Melvin O. Byrd, Jr. (Blootsy). This union was blessed with two children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

As a couple, Ercelle and Blootsy thoroughly enjoyed life. They worked hard together, traveled with family on several trips including Hawaii, Sedona, Arizona, and warmly extended their hospitality and generosity to others. Their home was a gathering spot for both their families and for many friends over the years.

Ercelle leaves to cherish her memory her daughter; Joyce Byrd Cofield of Arlington, Virginia; her son, Melvin O. Byrd , lll (Barbara Brown) of King and Queen, Virginia; her granddaughter, Nicole Cofield Law (Anthony) of High Point, North Carolina; her grandsons; Melvin O. Byrd, IV of Bowling Green, Virginia and Jerry Brown (Liz) of Germantown, Maryland; her great-grandchildren, Alexsandra (Lexi) Law and Austin Brown; two sister-in-laws, Rebecca Deyo of Bowling Green, Virginia and Louise Deyo of Blainesburg, Maryland; nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her Saint Stephen's Baptist Church family.


A Homegoing Service will be held at 12 noon on  Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Saint Stephen's Baptist Church, 29436 Sparta Road, Milford, Virginia  22514 with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Chaplain Colonel (RET) Marvin Mills will be delivering the eulogy and Pastor Michael Ferguson officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Saint Stephen's Baptist Church, P. O. Box 689, Bowling Green, Virginia  22427-0689