My Aunt Katy died, Friday, August 1, 2008

Aunt Katy had the onset of Alzheimer's Disease and just this year was diagnosed with Pancreatic
cancer. My mom had just seen her on Wednesday and her health amazingly declined overnight. On Thursday, she was moved to the Hospice Home, and she died on Friday afternoon.


Burlington Times News Posted the following Obituary:

Katy Smith Byrd

BURLINGTON - Katy Smith Byrd, 78, went home to be with the Lord Friday, August 1, 2008 at the Hospice Home of Alamance-Caswell. Mrs. Byrd was born September 16, 1929 in Guilford County to the late J. Fletcher and Virgie Lineberry Smith. Mrs. Byrd was a long time member of Glen Hope Baptist Church where she taught a 1st grade Sunday school class and was proud to work with Meals on Wheels where she volunteered with her good friend Dot Staley.

Katy lived a full life. She married her first love, reared three children, nurtured eight grandchildren, and died surrounded by those she loved most. She had a gentle and nurturing spirit, which was most clearly seen in the unwavering love she had for eight grandchildren who affectionately called her "Mama Byrd." She also dearly loved her brothers and sisters. She often shared fond memories of her siblings with those who knew her best. Some of the fondest memories her family holds are those related to helping her prepare the traditional Christmas spaghetti dinner and seeing the beauty of her flower garden which she tediously tended. She will be remembered for her kindness, attention to detail, and her steadfast devotion to both her family and her faith.

Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Hugh Watson Byrd of the home; three children, Michael Watson Byrd and his wife Janice of Burlington, Kaye Byrd Canada and her husband Joe of Burlington, and Kenneth Hugh Byrd and his wife Laura of Snow Camp; eight grandchildren, Matthew Scott Byrd, Nathan Edward Byrd, Madison Elizabeth Byrd, Joseph Byrd Canada, Jacob Ethan Byrd, Grant Watson Canada, Katy Susanna Canada, and Kenneth Hunter Byrd; three brothers, Harvey C. Smith (Margaret) of Liberty, Ernest Smith (Rose Marie) of Pleasant Garden, and Fred Smith (Helen) of Liberty; three sisters, Dorothy Smith Johnson of Burlington, Elsie Smith Bentley of Archdale, and Shirley Smith Bentley (Earl) of Burlington; and a special friend, Jane Sharpe.

Mrs. Byrd was preceded in death by two brothers, J.F. Smith and Jack Smith.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 4, 2008 at Glen Hope Baptist Church by the Rev. Larry Redding. The family will receive friends 9:00-10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to Glen Hope Baptist Church, 911 North Ave., Burlington, NC 27217.
You may sign the online register book at www.lowefuneralhome.com