Dorothy Mae Ballard Byrd of Hampton, Arkansas, was born on November 17, 1922, in Worcester, Massachusetts, and went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 27, 2023, in Mountain View, Arkansas.
Dorothy grew up in Millbury, Massachusetts, and graduated from Millbury High School; she obtained an associate degree in business from Becker Junior College in Worcester. Her career began at the Army and Navy Staff College (ANSCOL) in Norfolk, Virginia. She retired from Hampton Public Schools in 1982, where she worked as an elementary teacher’s aide and as the superintendent’s secretary and school district bookkeeper.
The sinking of the USS North Hampton in the Pacific Ocean during World War II and the transport of the crew members to Boston resulted in Dorothy’s meeting the love of her life -- Raymond “Ray” Randolph Byrd. They were married in Miami, Florida, in 1943, and they enjoyed a beautiful life together until Ray’s death in 2002.
Dorothy loved being a Navy wife and the adventure of living in different places. After retirement, Dorothy and Raymond became “Winter Texans” and “Summer Alaskans.” Dorothy also loved going back home to her beloved family and friends in Massachusetts. She instilled her love of traveling into her children and grandchildren.
Up to the point of her falling and breaking her hip and arm in July, Dorothy remained active. She found special enjoyment in being with her family. She cherished them all and thought her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the smartest, most talented, and sweetest children in the world. She loved being with them. Dorothy was also an avid reader – daily reading The Upper Room, her Bible, and one book a week.
For more than 100 years, Dorothy “Dot” lived life to the fullest -- with vivacity, purpose, courage, anticipation, and unselfish service. She approached death in the same manner – without fear and with anticipation of an eternal reunion with many loved ones and friends.
Dorothy lived a highly favored, blessed life and leaves a legacy of leading by example of how to live life without regrets. She would tell you in a heartbeat that she lived a wonderful life.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Edith Ballard, her brother Amos, and her husband, Raymond Randolph Byrd.
Dorothy is survived by three children: Raymond Byrd Jr., Barbara Akins, and Richard Byrd, all of Hampton, Arkansas. She also leaves four grandchildren: Ernie (Pam) Byrd of Seligman, Arizona; Lisa Johnson (Chuck) of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Felicia McCord (Bill) of Jurupa Valley, California; and John Akins (Kelly) of Mountain View, Arkansas; 13 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she loved greatly.
Visitation will be at Campground Presbyterian Church in Hampton, Arkansas, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M.on Sunday, October 1. Her life celebration will be at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, October 2, at Campground Church, with burial at Campground Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Tommy Bird, Ed Bird, Floyd Nutt, James Strickland, Ben Blann, Stanley Shankles, and Allen Primm. Honorary pallbearers are Max Byrd, Trevor McCord, Akin Johnson, Asa Johnson, Asher Johnson, Rodney Strickland, and Allen Moser.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home, 909 Greenlee Street, Denton, Texas 76201.
