Louise T. Byrd, our precious Grandmother, went home to be with her Lord and Savior peacefully at Hospice Haven on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, at the age of 100.
Louise was born May 3, 1926 to Laura Simmons and Lawrence Tyndall.
For 100 years, the Lord faithfully carried her through every season of life. Her greatest hope was not found in this world, but in Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life with Him.
Louise was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Hamlet, where her faith was an important part of her life. She loved the Lord deeply and longed for the day when she would finally be home with Him.
Grandmother’s love for her only child, Carolyn, was one of the deepest and most precious loves of her life. When Carolyn passed away in 2016, Grandmother carried that love with her and looked forward to the day when she would see Carolyn again and be reunited with her Savior in Heaven. However, in the last year and a half of her life, she began asking God for two special blessings: that He would allow her to live to see her 100th birthday and that she would meet her first great-great-grandson.
In His goodness and perfect timing, the Lord graciously answered both prayers. On May 3, 2026, Grandmother celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by the family she loved so dearly. Just 22 days later, on May 25, her first great-great-grandson was born. She was blessed to see him twice before she passed away. Those moments were precious gifts from God — beautiful answers to prayers she had carried in her heart — and we will forever be grateful that He allowed her to experience them.
Louise leaves behind her granddaughters, Lori Phagan (Mike) and Annette Williamson; great-grandsons, Drew Ayers (Jenny) and Corey Ayers (Keelah); great-great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Caroline, Emerson Louise (her namesake) and Elijah; son-in-law, Ronnie Williamson; and several beloved cousins.
Louise would like to thank her four dear friends that were there for her, when she needed them the most — Jeanne Short, Connie Bishop, Lynda Garrison,and Debbie Norwood.
While our hearts are heavy because we will miss her, we do not grieve without hope. The same Savior Louise trusted throughout her life is the Savior who welcomed her home. Her earthly journey is finished, and she is now in the presence of the Lord she longed to see.
Her greatest legacy is not simply the 100 years she lived, but the faith she placed in Jesus Christ. Her life reminds us that this world is temporary, but the promise of eternal life through Christ is forever.
We are thankful for the years God gave us with Grandmother, for the prayers He answered, and for the memories that will remain with us. Most of all, we are thankful for the hope of the Gospel — that because of Jesus Christ, death does not have the final word.
Funeral services will be held at Harrington Funeral Home on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026 with visitation from 11 a.m.-noon, followed by the funeral service at noon, with Pastor Randy Bishop and Pastor Allison Farrah officiating. Burial will follow at Richmond County Memorial Park.
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” — Philippians 1:21
"Absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 5:8
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Byrd family. Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
