Martha BYRD

Martha Byrd, age 103 of Dayton, Ohio departed this life, Tuesday, September 1, 2015.

Martha was born in Georgia and resided in Dayton, Ohio most of her life. She retired from the Veterans Administration, where she was employed for over 25 years, won numerous service awards and broke many color barriers. Martha was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church where she was an elder and was recognized in 2007 with an Honorary Life membership. Martha had a passion for traveling and was fortunate to see most of the world in her extensive life. She also had a passion for gardening and mail order shopping. In recent years she enjoyed spending her summers at Martha's Vineyard with her grandson and his family. Most of all, she loved people. She carried a smile and a laugh that affected everyone she met. She blessed people all over the world with her donations. She was portrayed as a "flower in the garden" and brought sunshine wherever she went.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her grandson and his wife, Brent and Shanyelle Young of South Windsor, CT, devoted nieces Linda (Reginald) Johnson of Dayton, Ohio and Arlene Holt of Dayton, Ohio and son in law Alluren Marcere of East Hartford, CT. Great grandchildren Brent Young Jr., Shaylyn Young and Shane Young all of South Windsor, CT, many nieces, nephews and friends. Martha was preceded in death by her husband John Byrd, daughter Barbara Marcere and sisters Ruth Nooks, Minnie Evans, Margaret Wynn, Barbara Tillman and brother Preston Few.

Visitation 11:30 AM and funeral at 12:30 pm - Friday, September 11, 2015 at Trinity Presbyterian Church - 3211 Lakeview Avenue, Dayton, Ohio.

Professional services entrusted to Young Lusain Funeral Home, formerly Bowman Funeral Chapel.