Gwendolyn Faye Byrd

Gwendolyn Faye Byrd, age 84, of Sandersville, Mississippi, passed away on June 3, 2026.

Born on November 24, 1941, in Laurel, Mississippi, she was the daughter of Frank and Inez Poore of Sharon.

Faye graduated from Sharon High School in 1959 and married the love of her life, Howard "Doonie" Byrd, in 1960. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others.

For 25 years, Faye served the children of Jones County as a school bus driver. After her retirement from the school district, she worked at McRae's in Laurel, where she enjoyed meeting and helping others.

Faye and her husband were founding members of Faith Chapel Church in Laurel, where they faithfully served their community. Later in life, she became a devoted member of Bethel Baptist Church in Heidelberg, where she served as a Sunday School teacher and choir leader. Her strong faith guided every aspect of her life and was evident in her love for family, church, and friends.

She found joy in singing, shopping with her sisters and friends, and spending time playing games and working puzzles. More than anything, she treasured her family and the many memories they shared together.

Faye was preceded in death by her husband, Howard "Doonie" Byrd; her son, Randy Byrd; and her parents, Frank and Inez Poore.

She is survived by her daughter, Tammy Roberts; her son, Eric Byrd (Stacey); her grandchildren, Heather Doss (Greg), James Byrd (Amber), Caleb Byrd (Laken), Tyler Byrd (Audrey), Emily Byrd, and Annie Byrd; her great-grandchildren, Brayden Doss (Shanna), Molly Dyess (Daylan), Levi Byrd, Avery Byrd, and Bowen Byrd; and her great-great-grandchildren, Wesslyn Dyess, Brooks Dyess, and Della Doss. She also leaves behind many beloved extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

Visitation will be held at Ellisville Funeral Home on Friday, June 5, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m., with the funeral service to follow at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Faith Chapel Church in Laurel. Bro. Wayne Johnson will officiate.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff of Jones County Rest Home for the compassionate care they provided. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Least of These Animal Rescue or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Faye will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of faith, kindness, and devotion to family will continue to live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.