Winifred Byrd

Our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother went home to be with her heavenly Father on Sunday, February 10, 2013, at Kith Haven ECF in Flint, MI at the blessed age of 95 years. She was born October 31, 1917 in Ottawa, KS, the daughter of Frank and Cora (Bradshaw) Boston. She accepted Christ at an early age. Winifred graduated from Kansas High School in Ottawa, KS, and relocated to Saginaw, MI shortly after graduation. She joined Zion Missionary Baptist Church in 1938, under the leadership of Rev. Schatein. Winifred was an active member of Zion MBC where she was the past secretary of the Young Matrons, the Missionary Society and B.Y.P.U. She was also past correspondence Secretary of the Missionary Society and a former member of the Usher Board. Winifred met and married Jan D. Byrd. In 1944, they celebrated 50 years together. She retired from St. Mary's Medical Center after 21 years of service in the Dietary Dept. Winifred loved her job and was very good at her position. She carried her dietary education within her own home cooking, and was quick to let others know the proper proportion, or if you were using too much salt or sugar with your meals. Winifred enjoyed taking care of her family, gardening and canning. She was a precise person who always believed in doing things correctly. She had a smile that could melt anyone's heart. Winifred loved to entertain at her home and was a good hostess. Her memory will be cherished by her devoted son and daughter-in-law, Philip D. (Robbie) Byrd of Archbold, OH; one daughter, Elva Rosenthal of Lansing, MI; stepdaughter, Francis D. Holmen of Detroit, MI; stepson, Haywood (Ellen) Giles of Coshocton, OH; 16 grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren; also a host of nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Jacqueline Ketchum of Kansas City, MO; one Godson, Troy Louis Mitchell of Saginaw, MI; and special friends, Cora Mitchell and Maudina Johnson, both of Saginaw, MI. Winifred was preceded in death by her husband, Jan D. Byrd in 1995 and one brother, Cornelius Boston in 1996. She was a special grandmother to the late Philip D. Martin-Byrd, who passed in 2000 and special mother to the late Patricia A. Martin, who passed in 1996. The family would like to extend a loving and special thank you to Louis Cassell Mitchell, Jr. for his support and always being there for Winnie throughout her journey. A special thank you to Verna M. Cobb for all her help and prayers throughout her nursing home stay. Also, we thank McLaren Hospice in Flint, MI Family hour will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 14, 2013 at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave. with the funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Roosevelt Austin, Sr. will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Winifred Byrd

October 31, 1917 - February 10, 2013