Byrd, Virginia Clarke

Virginia Clarke Byrd, age 97, of Bethea Baptist Home died Friday, February 25, 2011 after an illness. Born January 18, 1914 in Greer, SC she was the daughter of the Late Margaret Hammette and Harry Powell Clarke of Florence. Mrs. Byrd was a devoted mother and wife taking great pride in caring for her family and their host of friends. She spent her working career at Sears Roebuck in Florence and at the Darlington Hardware with Mrs. Nettie Dixon. Virginia was an active member of the Joy Sunday school class, the Eloise Smyre Bible Study Group at the First Baptist Church. She also served faithfully on the kitchen committee where her pecan pies have been missed. Surviving are two sisters: Vivian C. High of Gaffney, SC and Frances C. Martin of Brentwood Tenn; 14 nieces and nephews and 41 great nieces and nephews. Mrs. Byrd was preceded in death by her husband, John L. Byrd “J.L”, daughter, Margaret Suzanne Byrd, a brother, Harry P Clarke, and sisters, Grace C Davenport, Cora L Clarke, Lily C. Turner, and Margaret C. Lichtenstein. Graveside services will be held 2:00 P.M. Sunday, February 27 in Grove Hill Cemetery officiated by Rev. W.L. Collins and directed by Belk Funeral Home. At Virginia‘s request memorials would be welcome for the First Baptist Church PO Box 297, Darlington, SC 29540 where she happily worshipped for many years or the Bethea Baptist Home 157 Home Ave Darlington, SC 29532 where she received loving care during her years of declining health.