Mary Louise Davis Byrd, 78, of Miller Road, Winchester, died Friday August 4, 2006 at Winchester Medical Center. She was born on August 13, 1927, in Opequon, VA to the late Matthew and Caroline Louisa Tokes Davis. Her family owned and operated Tokes Inn, a locally well known historical inn and catering service.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Harmon Garland Byrd Sr. and two brothers, George A. Davis and Matthew R. Davis.

She is survived by three children; son Harmon G. Byrd Jr. and wife Clarissa of Winchester; and daughters Cecily B. Haston and husband Dennis A. Haston Sr. of Winchester and the Revs. Alicia J. Blake and husband JT of Amherst, NY; six grandchildren D. Alan Haston Jr. and wife Clarissa, Renee Haston, and Brian Byrd all of Winchester; Natalie Byrd of Silver Spring, MD, Durrell Blake of Amherst, NY and Nicole Haston of New York, NY; two great grandchildren, Marcus and Daniel Haston of Winchester; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Mrs. Byrd is a 1944 graduate of Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C. and attended Virginia State College.

Mrs. Byrd was retired from the US Government where she served as a Service Representative for the Social Security Administration for over 20 years. She also worked for Omps Funeral Home, Shenandoah Apple Blossom Headquarters, and the former Douglas School.

A lifelong member of John Mann United Methodist Church on E. Cork St, Mary Byrd was very active in the life of her church. She sang on the Senior Choir, was a Sunday school teacher and a member of United Methodist Women. She also held positions including Lay Speaker, Administrative Council Secretary, Treasurer and was the Winchester Area District Representative to the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church for many years.

Mary Byrd was also active in several civic and social organizations including Apple Blossom Chapter #196 of O.E.S., Round Hill Ruritan Club Ladies Auxiliary, The Ten of Us Club, Board of Directors of the Winchester Medical Center, Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging and Governor's Advisory Board on Aging.

Recently, Mrs. Byrd was a part of a group of local citizens who collaborated with the Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society and published a historical book of Frederick County, VA entitled "More Images of the Past".

Visitation will be held Monday, August 7, 2006 from 6:00-8:00 pm at John Mann UMC, Winchester.

Funeral services will be held at the church on Tuesday, August 8, 2006 at 11:00 am with Rev. Carroll Carter officiating. Viewing will also be held one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be at Orrick Cemetery in Winchester, Virginia

Pallbearers will be Charles B. Harris, James H. Nelson, Robert C. Nelson, George H. Jackson, Irvin Baltimore, William Harris, and James Nickens.

Memorial contributions may be made to
John Mann UMC
119 East Cork Street
Winchester, Virginia

Ministry of Comfort Entrusted to
Cartwright Funeral Home
Winchester, Virginia