Gertrude Elizabeth Byars Obituary - Water Valley MS

Gertrude Elizabeth Johnson Byars, age 99, died Saturday, August 30, 2014 at her home in Paris, MS. She was born February 11, 1915 in Water Valley, MS to the late Lawrence and Gertie Mae Summers Johnson. Elizabeth was of the Baptist faith and was fondly known as “Sister”. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, making dolls and stuffed animals, and working puzzles. From age 93 to 95 she worked alongside her daughter, Lottie at Harmon’s Restaurant. Elizabeth was a devoted grandmother and loved taking care of her grandchildren (each one thought they were Elizabeth’s “favorite”).

Visitation will be held Monday, September 1, 2014 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley, MS. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 3:00 pm in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks with Bro. R.W. Moffett officiating. Burial will be in the Pine Flat Cemetery in Lafayette County, MS with Gary Morris, Robert Coleman, Danny Thompson, Marty Harmon, Rob Reinstetle, and David Thompson serving as pallbearers.

Elizabeth is survived by her daughter, Lottie Harmon of Banner, MS; her son, Harvey “Sonny” and Janis Byars of Lillian, AL; one sister, Margie Darby of Batesville, MS; one brother, Billy Johnson (Jeanette) of Huntsville, AL; nineteen grandchildren, twenty-eight great grandchildren, thirty-two great great grandchildren, and six great great great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Byars, her daughter, Nancy Thompson; her son, J.W. Byars; six grandchildren, Cynthia Harmon, Diana Lynn Harmon, Regina Harmon Fielder, Jimmy Byars, Gloria Jean Byars and Darby Thompson Shelton.