of Helena, AR
December 27, 1932 - May 11, 2015
Wanda Lugene McEntire Byrd, age 82, of Helena, Arkansas passed away Monday, May 11, 2015 at Southaven, Mississippi, surrounded by her husband and children. Mrs. Byrd was born December 27, 1932 at Dallas, Texas to the late William Clarence McEntire and the late Eva McEntire Holcomb. She was a member of West Acres Baptist Church and was owner of Buddy Byrd Grocery and Delta Business Machines, where she worked side by side with her husband until retirement.
Wanda was a beautiful person inside and out. She loved her husband, children and grandchildren. She loved to play the piano and organ and could play anything by ear. Everyone loved to hear her play. As a result, her own CD will be played at her service. She was also a wonderful cook and always cooked for the family for many holidays until the last ten years. She was an excellent seamstress and at times made drapes for her home, made her own square dancing dresses, and clothes for Sharon and Karen as they grew up. She made doll clothes for her daughters and many other things. She will be greatly missed by her family.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Alvin ''Buddy'' Byrd, Sr.; one son, Alvin M. Byrd, Jr. of Eureka Springs, Arkansas; two daughters, Sharon Smith (Mark) of Harrison, Arkansas and Karen Lavender Fitzhugh (Carvill) of Helena; three grandchildren, Michael Drake Carnathan of Eatonville, Washington, Jason Carnathan (Ashley) of Midland, Arkansas and Megan Batson (Triston) of Hindsville, Arkansas; six great-grandchildren, Hunter Carnathan, Hailey Carnathan, Alex Carnathan, Nicholas Carnathan, Jaiden Carnathan and Riley Batson; four sisters-in-law, Evelyn Teague, Betty Ott, Frances Batts and Dorothy Folkman; two brothers-in-law, Robert Byrd and Doug Byrd; one sister, Doris Davis; and niece, Eva Bell; and many other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; nephews, Clarence and Charles Bell; and brother-in-law, Edward M. Byrd.
A service for Wanda Byrd will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 15, 2015 at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park in West Helena. Brother Dale Gansman will officiate.
Pallbearers are Mark Smith, Triston Batson, Sean Teague, Jason Carnathan, Doug Byrd, Robert Byrd and Jake Smith. Honorary pallbearers are Raymond Simmons, Doug Hughes, David Solomon, Dr. P. Reddy Tukivakala, Jack Buchanan .
The family would like to give a special thanks to Mrs. Byrd's caregiver, Martha Hardnett.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.
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48 Condolence(s)
BECKY HOPPER
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
TO THE BYRD FAMILY. I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. BUDDY AND WANDA WERE GOOD FRIENDS WITH MY PARENTS AND I PLAYED WITH ALVIN WHEN WE WERE LITTLE. MRS WANDA PLAYED AT MY WEDDING IN 1976. I HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF HER. MY MOTHER. LOU HOPPER PASSED AWAY ON MAY 27. ONCE AGAIN, IM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
Emily Hartsfield
Monday, May 25, 2015
Mr. Buddy and other family members, I am truly saddened to know that Miss Wanda is gone from our immediate presence. I loved her smile and sweet spirit. How could you not enjoy her piano playing. She will certainly be missed but we can hold on to those precious memories. I'm praying for you all. Emily
Kerry Hughes Beavers
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Wanda was such a blessing to me and my family growing up. She had a sweet spirit along with a sharp wit. It was rare to see her without a smile on her face. I love church on Sundays when she was playing the organ; she was so talented. She was a one of kind lady!
Janie Scaife
Sunday, May 17, 2015
So sorry to hear this sad news, I loved Ms Wanda and I will be thinking of you all and your families.
Barbara and Denver Chism
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Denver and I are so sorry to hear of Wanda's passing. We always enjoyed talking with her and Buddy whenever we ould see them out. She will be missed.
Eva Bell
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Im so sad for the loss of my favorite Aunt. Aunt Wanda was an important part of mychilhood and i will always cherish the memories. She was fun, adventurous and always entertaining. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Uncle Buddy, Sharon, Karen and Alvin.
Evelyn Teague
Saturday, May 16, 2015
It is hard to think I will never see her playing a piana on earth. She was a part of the family be_
fore she actually was a member. To me she felt like another sister and she truly was. Buddy, Alvin, Sharon, and Karen, you have lost a wonderful mother but heaven has gained an angel. Iwill miss her until I see her in heaven.
Bennette & Walter Morris
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Just heard of your loss. We always enjoyed visiting with she and Buddy, usually about politics and we were always on the same side. We pray for God to hold you all close as you grieve. Much love❤️
Saturday, May 16, 2015
We didn't know of your loss until today and we want to express our sympathy. Walter and I always enjoyed visiting with buddy and Wanda, mostly about all kinds of politics; always agreeing. A heartfelt hug to all of you .
Tom & Debbie Barkley
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Dear Buddy and family
We are so very very sorry to hear of your loss. I have wonderful memories of all of us and wish we could have been there for her memorial. You are all in our prayers and thoughts. It has been way too long since we last spoke. When the time is right, we will get in touch with you.
You have our deepest sympathy and love.
Tom and Debbie Barkley
Ciri And Gina
Friday, May 15, 2015
Alvin and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Mrs Wanda was such a sweet lady always smiling and took the time to say hello .. I had just seen her last week on her way to check in at the hospital.. She stopped to tell me she wasn't feeling well and that the hospital always treated her good.. She will be remembered by many and missed too. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.. Especially Mr Buddy.. Ciri & Gina
Dody Owens Jones
Friday, May 15, 2015
Alvin, Mr.Buddy and girls, my heart just aches for you all at this highly emotional time. Mrs. Wanda was such a sweetheart, I KNOW she will be missed, but will live in all our memories forever.
I have known your family all of my life and there was always a warm feeling with fun, kidding, excitement and love mixed in. Thanks for that page in my book of life.
Maybe now that she is at peace, it will give all of the family some peace and happiness at this sad time.
My prayers are going up...
Peggy King
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Karen and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother. There is nothing more precious than a mother's love. Thinking of you and lifting you up the Lord. Praying for peace and comfort.
Love,
Peggy King
Wilma Yancey Gordon
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Dear Buddy and family,
Jerry and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Seems as if I called and talked with both of you in the not too distant past. Our warmest condolences we send to you and your family. We will keep you in our prayers.
Douglas & Mickie Hughes
Thursday, May 14, 2015
We want you to know that the whole family is in our prayers during this difficult time. We remember great times together which we will always cherish. May God give you peace and comfort during the days to come.
Michele Davenport
Thursday, May 14, 2015
I was very sorry to hear about the passing of this sweet lady. I've known Buddy and Wanda over half my life. I will always remember the wonderful square dance trips we took and the great fellowship I was blessed with. My heart goes out to Buddy and the family during this very sad time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know God will lift you up and help ease this pain. May God bless and keep you in His safe care. Love in Christ. Michele Davenport
Levaughn Smith
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Buddy and family, what else can be said about Wanda? Except I am also sad about this loss to your family and to our community I have known Wanda and you since we were kids. When i think of Wanda, I think "Christian" "lovely", intelligent"and she was honest and she has a beautiful soul. You could see it in her. I will miss you Wanda.
Shannon Highsmith
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Im so sorry to hear of Wandas passing. She was always very caring to Hunter and Hailey. Im glad that they have the memories and the photos to remember Her. Prayers for her family
Christine Layton
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Buddy I was so sorry to hear that Wanda had passed away. she was always such a sweet Christian Lady. I feel like I have know you all forever. I count you all as some of my best friends, and all my children remember you both from your store on South 7 th It wasn't far from our house they called it the candy store when they were small, I know you will feel lost without Wanda but God will help you through the bad times just rely on him, you will be in my prayers as will your children and grandchildren. May God Bless you all.
Kaye Cantrell Garino
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Buddy, Sharon, Karen and Alvin,
We have always loved you and the entire family, especially Wanda. So many good memories of you all from my childhood and at Park Ave church.
Wanda is smiling down on us and rejoicing in Christ's presence. We know how much you will miss her.
We love you all very much.
Kaye, Vin and Alma Dean
Debi Ringer
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Buddy and family- I am so sorry for your loss. I know you will miss her greatly. God bless you all today and the days to come.
Roxanne Smithson
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
My parents were the late Ben Clarke and Jeanette Clarke. I grew up knowing Ms Wanda and Mr. Buddy because she worked for my dad at PCA. Mom and I were so sorry to hear about Ms Wanda's death. your family is in our thoughts.
Linda Pabst
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
I'm so very sorry for your lose. Aunt Wanda was one of the sweetest women I've ever meet. I'll never forget her playing her organ and letting me try to out when I was young. I love you all and miss you dearly.
Hollie Johnston Henson
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Wonderful and beautiful lady. My thoughts and prayers for all of her family.
Keith McMickle
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. My prayers are with you.
Linda Guthrie Cavette
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear about Mrs. Wanda's passing. I grew up knowing your family! I always enjoyed talking with her at their store and when I'd see her out around town. I'm so sorry for your loos!!
Ronn Doby
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Alvin, I am truly sorry to hear of you and your family's tremendous loss. Your mother was always a sweetheart. She will be terribly missed by all who knew her.
Cynthia Beeler
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
What a lovely tribute to undoubtedly a wonderful woman. I did not know her but knowing the type of daughter she raised, Sharon, convinces me that she was pretty special. I am so sorry for your loss.
Linda Jacks
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Sorry for your loss . You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers .
Diann Lederman
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Buddy, I am so sorry for your loss. Wanda was such a sweet lady. Pat and I will keep you and the family in our prayers.
Sharon Davis Buie
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
So sorry to hear about Wanda she will be missed the family is in our prayers as you go through this difficult time
Clara McClure Williamson
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Sharon & family so very sorry. What a sweet lady she was. Would see her & your Dad in W. Helena & always enjoyed visiting with them. Knew I had not seen her in a good while. Missed that. May God give you all comfort at this sad time.
Patricia Jones
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family!
Ann Sanders
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
You all have our deepest sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We're very grateful that we were able to spend time with Miss Wanda, she was always a joy to visit with. Prayers for peace and comfort for all of you.
Ann and Toe Joe
Roger Atkins
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Buddy and family I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I only worked with her for 3 years but have considered her a lifelong friend. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Fred & Ida Chamness
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Buddy @ family We are so sorry yo hear the news of Wanda passing, She will be missed by .
miranda gregory
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Was sad to hear of your loss, a very sweet lady!!
Barbara Wheeler Stambaugh
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Mr. Byrd and family,
I was so saddened to hear of Mrs. Byrd's passing. I know that all of you are heart broken but knowing that she is in Heaven and waiting for all of you to join her one day will comfort your hearts. My prayer is that the Lord will wrap His loving arms around each of you at this difficult time and give you the strength, courage and peace that you seek and understanding. My prayer is that you hold to those loving memories that you hold in your heart and remember that she loved all of you so much. Mrs. Wanda is rejoicing tonight in Heaven with Aunt Betty and Uncle Travis...Love you all Barbara
Robert D. Byrd & Family
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Our prayers go to your family during this time. God received another special Angel.
Billie Sue Rohrscheib
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
So sorry about Wanda, she was a sweet lady. Henry and I will keep you in our hearts and prayers. Hold on to your memories for they will see you through the days ahead. Love Henry and Billie Sue
Shirley McEntire Lett
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
So sad that we have lost our sweet Wannie; she is my 1st cousin and I have so many special memories that we share over the years. May God be with our Buddy, Alan, Sharon and Karen, Doris and Eva Doris during this difficult and sad time. She will be missed by so many. Rest in peace my sweet little cousin.
Elaine Canady
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Mother and I were so sad to hear about your mother. YES she was beautiful inside and outside.
We have your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Riddell
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Loved Wanda. She has been a example of how a lady should act and look. Her music just lifted a person up. So thankful for sharing a small part of her life. God bless Buddy and all the family.
Shawn Teague
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
I will miss her so much and I will never forget her. My daughter Greenlee loved to go to their home and visit and Aunt Wanda would play the organ and Greenlee would always be so amazed. My family has suffered a terrible loss with losing Aunt Wanda and the world will be a sadder place without her in it.
Larry & Cathy Johnston
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Sorry to hear of the loss of Mrs. Wanda. She was a very kind, caring and compassionate person. I will always be grateful for the words of encouragement she always gave to my mother who played the piano at West Acres Baptist Church. She will truly be missed and I pray that God will wrap his arms around the family during this time and give them comfort and strength.
Tammie King
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Byrd Family,
I am so sorry about Wanda's passing.
She was such a kind and thoughtful person. She will be missed by so many people.
May God be with her and your all.
Love you all,
Tammie
Pat Williams
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Buddy, I'm so sorry about Wanda. She was a talented, sweet person and we will all miss her.
Jim & Hazel Williams
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
We were so sorry to hear of this. Wanda was a dear sweet lady. Our prayers and sympathy for Buddy and the children.