Retha Byrd

Mother Retha Byrd, 87, of Topeka, went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at a Topeka care facility. She was born May 28, 1925 in Independence, KS, the daughter of Roosevelt and Margaret Everrett Vaughn.

Retha graduated from Independence High School and had resided in Topeka since 1947. She was a founding member of Faith Temple COGIC and was currently a member of El Shaddai Ministries Community Church.

Retha married Reverend Riley M. Byrd, Jr. on July 16, 1945 in Independence, KS. He preceded her in death in 1997. She was also preceded in death by a son, Riley M. Byrd, III in 2006, three sisters and two brothers. Survivors include eleven children, Bishop Charles L. Byrd, Rosetta M. West, Bishop Virgil E. Byrd, James L. Byrd, Bishop Maxey C. Byrd, Elizabeth A. Grissom, Clemmie R. Byrd, Beverly J. Byrd, Teresa A. Summerville, Veronica J. Byrd, Melodene G. Byrd, 50 grandchildren, 74 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren, one sister, Jerilene Nash and her brother, Clifford E. Vaughn and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at El Shaddai Community Church. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery, SW 17th & Fairlawn. Retha will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel.