Daisy P. Byrd

Daisy Purce Byrd was born in Hazelwood in Caroline County, Virginia to the late William Lamar and Irene Hill Purce. She was the youngest daughter of eight children.

She was educated in Caroline County, graduating from Union High School as valedictorian of her class. Fluent in French and a passionate reader, Daisy also competed in oratorical contests and fondly remembered acting in the school's theatrical productions.

On March 6, 1943, Daisy was wed in Holy Matrimony to Embria L. Byrd, Sr. To this union five children were born. Her husband and their youngest son, Gerald Kenneth Byrd, preceded her in death.

Daisy joined Shiloh Baptist Church at the age of six and served faithfully throughout her life. She participated in numerous organizations and led the Missionary Circle for many years. For fifty years, she served as the Church Clerk, continuing her family legacy as the fourth generation to perform this role since the church was built in the mid-1800s.

In 1971, Daisy was appointed Postmaster in Port Royal, Virginia and performed in this capacity for twenty years until her retirement. She flourished in this role; extending her warm and generous spirit to the community she loved so dearly.

She held membership in numerous organizations including the NAACP, NAPUS, Ruritans Club, Old Port Royal School, Inc. and served as an elected official on the Port Royal Town Council from 1990-2002.

Known affectionately as "Mama Daisy", she will be fondly remembered for her grace and humility. She leaves to cherish her memory her children Florine Byrd, Embria Byrd Jr., William Byrd and Patricia Byrd; daughters-in-law Mary Leftridge Byrd, Gertrude Byrd and Cynthia Byrd; brothers Lawson Purce and John Purce; six grandchildren including Barry Minor Sr. with whom she shared an extraordinary bond; six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.


Funeral Home:
Cedell Brooks Funeral Home
25662 A.P. Hill Blvd
Port Royal, VA
US 22535