Ella Marie Byrd
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Ella Marie Byrd. She is survived by her son, Quincy Lee Byrd, Jr and wife, Gwen Byrd and her son, Henry Donald Byrd and Diana Rhinehart. She joins her husband and youngest son, Bobby Clay Byrd, in eternal rest.
She is also survived by four grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren. The family tree that took root from Marie and Quincy’s union has grown full of loved ones who will mourn her loss. Her grandchildren, Bobby Lee Byrd, Dusty Dawn Byrd Montagna, Angela (Sunshine) Yvonne Byrd Clark and Virginia (Ginny) Ann Byrd Simons, will cherish the immeasurable moments of joy and laughter and love with her. Countless friends and family of her children and grandchildren say that she felt like a grandmother to them. That was her way.
She was warm, tender, independent, sassy and strong. She loved animals of all kinds, except for maybe mice. She loved bird watching. She loved music and dancing and laughter. She remembered every birthday, anniversary and important moment in your life. She made you feel seen and loved without judgment. With kindness and gentle clarity, she didn’t shy away from telling you what she felt like you needed to hear, guiding you while listening, as a friend with an open heart.
Marie was born on May 8, 1928, to Ella Timmerman and William Henry Timmerman in Austin, Texas. Her parents adored and doted on her as the youngest sibling to her sister, Etta Ruth, lovingly known as Titter and her brother, Bill. While they did not have wealth, she grew up feeling cared for and a bit spoiled in the ways that her family could afford.
Marie and Quincy Lee Byrd were married on July 24, 1944. Theirs was a bond that survived over two years apart during the war, the loss of a son and so much more. In partnership, they built businesses together, finally settling into life on the farm until retirement. In their Christian faith, they were graceful, valued members of their church and their community. In marriage, they made a home for their three sons staying playful and supportive of each other beyond the measure of most.
Together, they created gardens, and filled their home with creativity, carpentry and cooking. They made time for travel and play and spending summers in the pool, relaxed weekends, and holidays with family. Marie and Quincy were married for over 50 years and even after his passing, her love for him lived on for decades more.
After the loss of her husband, Marie, lead by example once again, taking the lead for a grief support group helping many women after the loss of their husbands. She continued to hold her family together through many seasons. She taught us to take pleasure in the simple things of life, to spend time with loved ones and family, to tell stories of days gone by and to welcome good people into your life. Watching her children, her children’s children and her children’s children’s children grow and thrive brought her so much joy.
Marie lived a long, rich life seeing the world change again and again. There is so much more to say. It is impossible to sum up 95 years of a life well lived in a page. Her loved ones will feel her absence deeply, but her spirit goes on in how we show love and accept love every day. We will see her in every cardinal. We are grateful for the time we had, her love and her support, and for her friendship.
A memorial visitation service will take place at Ramsey Chapel in Georgetown, Texas on Friday, August 11 from 9-10 a.m.
Marie requested that in lieu of flowers,
donations be made on her behalf to:
• Austin Pets Alive
https://www.austinpetsalive.org/donate
• St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital
https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html