Betty Byrd of Bear, Delaware passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026, at the age of 96.  She was born on December 17, 1929, in Perryville, Maryland and grew up in Wilmington, Delaware.  She attended A.I. DuPont high school and graduated from Goldey Business College, Delaware, in 1948 with an associate’s degree. Goldey was where she met her future husband, James Byrd.  She told us with a smile that the way she met James was by tripping him as he walked by her while entering class.  Betty and James eloped in Pokomoke City, Maryland, on December 24,1948 and moved to Virginia, where James grew up. Betty said that it was culture shock moving to Virginia.  Betty and James moved back to Wilmington, Delaware, in 1955 when Betty was pregnant with their third child, Diana.  They had five kids.  When the kids were older, Betty worked part time at Mila Fabrics. After Mila Fabrics, she worked as an assistant at James’ business, Delaware Scientific Labs.

Betty was a loving, kind, patient, and gentle soul who will be greatly missed.  She loved to spend time with her family.  She told her five kids that, when they were young, she was always sad when they went back to school because she loved their company so much. Her eyes would light up whenever her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids came to visit. Her family has fond memories of many gatherings for holidays and birthdays.  She was very thoughtful and never forgot birthdays – she always mailed birthday cards.  Even the great grandkids received cards on their birthdays!  Betty enjoyed doing puzzles, flower gardening, and crafts such as sewing, quilting, and cross stitching.

She was preceded in death by her husband James Jackson. She is survived by her children: James Jackson Byrd Jr. (Phyllis), Eleanor Webster (Bill), Diana Haas (Dave), Robert Byrd (Joan), and Tricia Byrd (John Hopkins). She is also survived by twelve grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to attend a service at Beeson Funeral Home (2053 Pulaski Highway, Newark, DE 19702) on Saturday, September 12, 2026.  Visitation is at 9 am. With a funeral service beginning at 10:00am. Betty will be entombed at Gracelawn Memorial Park (2220 N Dupont Hwy, New Castle, DE 19720) following the service.  After the cemetery service friends and family are invited to gather for lunch at Grace Community Baptist Church (226 E Main St, Cecilton, MD 21913) to celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her honor to The Town Church (The Town (PCA))

To offer condolences, please visit:

Beesonfuneralhome.com

302-453-1900