Lillian Jean Davis Byrd

Lillian Jean Davis Byrd passed away peacefully on Saturday evening September 9, 2023. She was born at her family home, The Brickyard, on January 31, 1930, in Midway, Florida, to loving parents Eugene Moor Davis and Mary Leanna Pigott Davis. Lillian was predeceased by her parents along with 7 dear siblings, brothers Foster (Helen), George (Ruth), Eugene (Annie), James (Rochelle) and sisters Cornelia, Emily (Bob), Mary Margaret (Roy). Her youngest brother Preston (Georgia) still lives in Tallahassee, Florida. Lillian grew up surrounded by a large, loving extended family that included aunts, uncles, and cousins from both the Davis and Pigott families. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Carlisle Appleby Byrd, Jr. She is survived by all four of her children, Mark, Mary Beth (Dave), Gene (Eve) and Nancy (David). Lillian was known as Grandmama to her eight grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly: Trey (Sarah), Susan (Kirk), Maya, Graham (Jason), Zach, Davis, Sam, Claire. Lillian was blessed with 6 great grandchildren, Fort, Grace, Abby, Eliza, Max, Casey with another baby girl due in November.

After graduating from Leon High School, Lillian attended Florida State University for 2 years where she took the necessary courses for a degree in nursing. While at FSU she was an active member of the Chi Omega sorority, the Women’s Glee Club, and the Wesley Foundation. She met the love of her life, Carlisle “Buddy” Byrd the summer of 1949 at the Methodist Youth Camp in Leesburg, Florida, and they officially became a couple the following spring. Lillian was admitted to the Nursing School at Emory University and graduated with a BS in Nursing from Emory University in 1953. Lillian and Buddy were married at Trinity United Methodist Church on November 22, 1952. After a short honeymoon, Second Lieutenant Carlisle A. Byrd, Jr. returned to active duty in Virginia and Lillian returned to her last year of nursing school at Emory. Upon graduation Lillian joined Buddy in Virginia where she worked as a nurse in the local hospital and their first son, Mark, was born. Dade City, Florida, was home for Lillian and Buddy’s growing family from 1954 through June of 1963. Mary Beth, Gene, and Nancy were all born in Dade City. The family were active members of the Dade City United Methodist church where Lillian sang in the choir. When needed, Lillian would serve as a private duty nurse at Dade City Hospital. She started a private kindergarten at her home when Gene was a toddler. Teaching young children was a perfect fit for her many unique talents. The family made many special friends in Dade City. When Buddy started a new job in Clermont, the Byrd family moved to 143 Montrose Street located on Crystal Lake. The new home was a perfect place for the Byrd family, boasting a lovely large yard where children played and a beautiful sandy beach that allowed swimming in the lake. Again, the entire family was active in the Clermont United Methodist church where Lillian sang in the Chancel Choir and was the director of the children’s choir. She was also active in the United Methodist Women’s group and started her lifelong support of the United Methodist Children’s home. Initially she joined the staff of the Clermont United Methodist Kindergarten as the lead teacher. However, when kindergarten officially became part of Clermont Elementary school, she started the first Nursery School at the church. Lillian returned to nursing in the early 1970s. Lillian served as the Recovery Room Nurse at the Clermont Hospital until she retired in 1984. Lillian was a Girl Scout while growing up in Tallahassee and she continued her activities with Girl Scouts in Clermont. She was the Neighborhood Cookie Chairman, Cadette Scout leader for Mary Beth and Nancy’s troops and served on the Heart of Florida Girl Scout Council. Lillian was also part of the Boy Scout programs. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother for both Mark and Gene. After many wonderful years in Clermont, Lillian and Buddy moved to Tallahassee, Florida in 1999. Lillian and Buddy divided their time between Westminster Oaks in Tallahassee and their home on the Gulf Shore at St. Teresa, Florida. Again, they were active in both Trinity United Methodist Church where Lillian sang in the choir and the Ochlocknee Bay United Methodist Church. At Trinity United Methodist Church, Lillian was

active in her support of the Florida United Methodist Children’s home, United Methodist Women, and made weekly visits to local nursing homes where Trinity members were now residents. Lillian always made a small fresh flower arrangement to leave with the resident. Lillian remained at Westminster Oaks until June of 2021 when she moved to Decatur, Georgia. Lillian was a resident at The Holbrook on Clairmont Road in Decatur and lived in the beautiful Inspired Living (Memory Care) facility. Lillian was a favorite among staff and enjoyed being closer to family and friends in the Atlanta area. Lillian moved to the Fountainview Center for Alzheimer’s Disease in April of 2022 after breaking her hip. Lillian became a much-loved member of the community at Fountainview where she received loving and skilled care until her death. Lillian was a devout Christian. Her deep faith enabled her to live a long and full life. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed, but we know she is in heaven with Buddy and so many other loved ones.

Services will be held on Friday October 13, 2023, at Trinity United Methodist Church, which is located at 120 W Park Avenue, Tallahassee FL 32301. The Joint Interment of Ashes ceremony will be in the Memorial Garden at 1:00 PM followed by a Celebration of Life Service in the sanctuary at 2:00 PM. All are welcome to join family and friends at the Westminster Oaks Pool House from 3:30 PM until 7:00 PM for fellowship and supper. The Westminster Oaks Community is located at 4449 Meandering Way, Tallahassee, FL 32308.

*** In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in memory of Lillian be made to their charity of choice. ***