Juanita Byrd

Juanita Ann Byrd, returned to her heavenly home on September 28, 2016 in her Cross Cut, Texas home after battling cancer at the age of 87. Her devotion to her family and firm belief in God gave her peace.

Juanita is survived by her three children and grandchildren; Rachel A. Baty and her husband, Brent T. Baty of Celina, Texas and their children Brennan and Isabel Baty. Scott C. Byrd and his wife Keeka L. Byrd of Cross Cut, Texas and their children, MacKenzie, Paxton and Wade Byrd. Glenn D. Byrd and his wife Gwen E. Byrd of Houston, Texas and their children, Jessica and Bianca Byrd. Her sister Bernice L. Smelley of Waco, Texas. Her niece Melissa A. Smelley and her husband Pete Able of Waco, Texas and their children Joanna and Lila Smelley.

Juanita is preceded in death by her husband Jack C. Byrd, her parents, Ollie Marie and David Jackson Smelley, and her brother Lewis Wayne Smelley.

Juanita was born on January 8, 1929 in Cross Cut, Texas to Ollie Marie Hendon and David Jackson Smelley. She graduated from Baylor University in May 1950 from the School of Business with a degree in Business administration and teaching. She married her high school sweetheart, Jack Clifford Byrd at Talco Baptist Church in Talco, Texas on July 17, 1950 and moved to El Paso, Texas for Jack’s induction to the Army and basic training during the Korean War. Upon completion Jack deployed to Europe unaccompanied while Juanita returned to West, Texas to teach school awaiting Jack’s return.

Juanita was saved and baptized at 9 years old at Calvary Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Texas. She was a loving Christian wife and beloved mother and grandmother. She was an accomplished teacher, pianist and twirler. Juanita began twirling in fourth grade. She twirled for Baylor University from 1947 to 1950 culminating her senior year as Baylor’s drum major. Even in her 80’s she could be seen on the Homecoming football field performing at halftime. She loved playing the piano and was the church pianist at Talco and West, Texas Baptist churches as well as playing at special services at Cross Cut Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School at Forest Cove Baptist Church and was the 4th grade director there for many years. She also loved history. Juanita was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the United Confederacy. Juanita moved to Kingwood, Texas with Jack and their children at its inception to live in their Shasta travel trailer on one of the first lots in Kingwood so Jack could start his job as Kingwood’s project manager. She was involved in numerous school, sports, Kingwood and Exxon events during her 30 years in Kingwood before moving back to her birthplace, Cross Cut, Texas and becoming a member of Cross Plains First Baptist Church.

Friends and family are welcome Friday evening, September 30, 2016 from 6 to 8 pm at Higginbotham Funeral Home, 309 NE 4th St., Cross Plains, Texas. A funeral is scheduled for 1:00 pm at Cross Plains First Baptist Church at 301 N Main St., Cross Plains, Texas. Pastor Burlie Taylor will officiate the service. Graveside services will be held at Richland Cemetery in Richland, Texas later Sat evening.

Juanita will be dearly missed by her loved ones who rejoice she is no longer in pain, but now in heaven with her Creator and Savior and family who went before her. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Juanita Ann Byrd’s life.