Helen Rankin Byrd

James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel Helen Rankin Byrd Mrs. Helen Rankin Byrd passed away June 12, 2014. She was a native of Texas County, Missouri, former resident of Pensacola and Walnut Hill, Florida. She was currently residing in Marianna, FL. She was a Beautician in Pensacola and worked at the Old Navy Point Stores. She later was employed by the Jackson Co. FL. School Board teaching adult arts and craft classes. She was an accomplished artist. She was a member of Woodmen of the World Lodge 65, the Art Guild of Pensacola, and the Artist Guild Of Northwest Fl. She was the oldest living member of First Baptist Church of Marianna. Helen was a member of the Faithful Workers Sunday School class and the Joy Club. Mrs. Byrd is preceded in death by her parents, Orval and Cora Clark Rankin and her husband Wiley T. Byrd Sr. Mrs. Byrd is survived by two sons, Wiley T. (Buddy) Byrd II of Westville, FL and Steven L. (Sue) Byrd of Walnut Hill, FL. Three daughters Wanetta A. (Thomas) McGinty of Walnut Hill, FL., E. La Vonne (Danny) Swindle of Pensacola, FL. and Rhonda K. (Bud) Byrd-Lee of Westville, FL. 14 grandchildren, Leslie Garner, Lynn Yelverton, Laine Austin, Wiley T. (Johnny) Byrd III, Deana Coursey, Jennifer Carstens, Anneke Tschirhart, Tanaia Gleason, Teegan McCooey, Shannon Byrd, Shane Byrd, Zack Byrd, Bryan Lee and Barry Lee and 26 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be Monday, June 16, 2014 at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Marianna with Rev. Michael Petty and Dr. Mark Long officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Hill Cemetery in Walnut Hill, FL. at 3 pm Monday, June 16, 2014, with Rev. Danny Swindle officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to funeral service at First Baptist Church in Marianna, FL. Donations may be made to Emerald Coast Hospice or a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank Dr. Joe Gay and Chipola Medical Staff and Emerald Coast Hospice for the love and care shown to their mother and grandmother.