Obituary of Minnie "Effie" Byrd

Minnie "Effie" Byrd (nee Welch) , 76, departed this life on December 12, 2010 to receive her ultimate healing. Her husband, R.F. Byrd preceded her death in 1994. They are survived by two daughters and son-in-laws; Brenda and Charles Thompson of St.Florian, AL and Barbara and James Prince of Burleson, TX. Effie Byrd was born near Copiah Co, MS and shortly after marrying R.F. they relocated to Chicago, IL where they raised their two daughters and developed their own business in the metal fasteners industry. Before retiring, Effie and her husband moved their company to Clarksdale, MS. After R.F.'s death, Effie sold their company and retired in St. Florian with her daughter and son-in-law. Mrs. Byrd was a member of Highland Baptist Church in Florence, AL where she was involved with programs such as Sunday School, "Keen-agers" and "Opals" and served on various committees in support of her faith community. Effie Byrd is also survived by two sisters; Nina McLand (Irving, TX) and Nell Reeder (Jackson, MS) and two brothers Jack Welch (Blytheville, AR) and Junior Welch (MS). Mrs. Byrd was happy to brag about her ten grandchildren: Jennifer "J.B." Flanagan (IL), Karen Harris (AR), Michael "Mikie" Porter (TX), Amber "Bambam" King (MS), Priscilla Miller (CO), Charles "Chuck" Thomas (IL), Greggory "Greggums" Thesen (IL), Patricia "Trish" Thomas (MD), Rebecca "Becky" Yawn (MS) and Misty "Misty-Moo" Darnell (WI). Effie Byrd also has fifteen great-grandchildren. The family of Minnie Effie Byrd praise God with much gratitude for the love and comfort of relatives and friends; especially Millie Garner, Carolyn Brotherton, Anna Smith, Jack Hilliard, Chris Underwood, Ronnie Hendricks, Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Byrd, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cook, Lynette Whitman, and a special thank you to niece, Carolyn Minakes and friend Lurene Bentley for the beautiful head coverings that bolstered "Aunt" Effie's feeling of wellbeing while she suffered the side effects of her medical treatment. Mrs. Byrd wished all to know that residents of the Florence area are blessed to have the Northwest Alabama Cancer Center, Mitchell-Hollingsworth Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Hospice of the Shoals. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 15, from 11:00 A.M.- 1:00 P.M. at Greenhill Funeral Home. The funeral service will be following visitation at 1:00 P.M. with Bro. Chris Underwood officiating. Burial will be in Oakhurst Cemetery, Clarksdale, MS. Greenhill Funeral Home directing.