Margaret Gray Byrd

Margaret Gray Byrd, 94, peacefully slipped away and joined her beloved husband, Conley Kemper Byrd and son, Steven Kemper Byrd on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at her residence with her family by her side. She was a lifelong resident of Sullivan County and was a graduate of Blountville High School in 1943. While working at Eastman Kodak in the Yarn Division, Margaret faithfully prayed for the return of Conley who was a 15 month prisoner of war from World War II. She was a wonderful homemaker and caregiver to her extended family throughout the years. She was a member of Orebank Central Baptist Church and was a true living testimony for her love of God. Mrs. Byrd was a devoted prayer warrior and was an accomplished seamstress who always put others first. In addition to her husband and son, she was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Fanny Gray; 6 brothers, Tom, Joseph, Clarence, Robert, Hubert, and James Gray; a sister, Nell Johnson. Margaret Byrd is survived by her beloved daughter, Connie L. Byrd; a special friend, Mark Venable; 40 nieces and nephews along with her special neighbors and friends who knew her real worth. A special thank-you goes out to Dr. Ronald L. Hunter, Amedisys Hospice, and especially Becky Lee and Marcella Ball for the special care given to Margaret. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 13, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport or friends may also call anytime at the residence. A funeral service will be conducted on Sunday, November 13, 2016 at 6 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Chaplain Tom Edwards, officiating. A graveside service will be on Monday, November 14, 2016 at 1 p.m. at Gunnings Cemetery with Pastor Lelbert Thornburg, officiating. Family and friends attending the graveside service are asked to meet at the funeral home on Monday by 12:15 p.m. to go in procession. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport is serving the Byrd family.