Rosa Lee Byrd

Rosa Lee Byrd (Shird) was born on January 11, 1938, in Washington, D.C., to Ineal Shird and Leroy Shird. She was a woman whose life was defined by faith, love, family, and resilience.

Rosa was briefly married to Roy Wilkinson, and during their marriage, she became the mother of three children: Marrella “Toni,” Cophonso “Ducky,” and Sheila “Chicky.” She later met and married Sylvester Byrd, and their union brought four more children: Celia, Bobby, Danni, and Ronni. Rosa loved and devoted herself to all seven of her children, and together, she and Sylvester raised their family with love and dedication. Their family journey took them to Germany, South Carolina, Tennessee, and eventually back to South Carolina, where they settled in Columbia.

Rosa was a beautiful woman inside and out. She loved God deeply, and her faith was an important part of her life. She made it a priority to attend church every Sunday, even when she was not feeling her best.

Those who knew Rosa will remember her laughter, her jokes, and the way she always made people smile. She never hesitated to call her children and grandchildren simply to say, “I love you.”

Her greatest lesson was simple but lasting: Love your family, be there for one another, and never take the people you love for granted.

She leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Nancy Crawford; her daughters, Marrella “Toni,” Sheila “Chicky,” Celia “Pebbles” (Jun), Danni (Danny), and Ronni; her baby boy, Bobby (Stephanie); her 24 grandchildren; and a beautiful legacy of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind nieces, nephews, and countless loved ones who were blessed to know her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Ineal Shird; her beloved husband, Sylvester “Syl” Byrd; her son, Cophonso “Ducky” Wilkinson; her sisters, Zella and Alice Shird; her brother, Butch; and other beloved family members.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that she is resting in the arms of the God she loved and served so faithfully.

Her laughter, love, strength, and lessons will live on through every generation.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever a part of us.