Bettie Jean Byrd

Betty Jean Gaskin Byrd, 71, died Monday, May 7, 2012, in Richmond Hill.

She was born June 6, 1940, at Walthourville, the daughter of Charlie and Maggie Gaskin. Mrs. Byrd was a faithful moth- er and wife, known for her acts of kindness and ability to make everyone around her feel special.

She was a graduate of Bradwell Institute Class of 1958, a member of First United Methodist Church in Hinesville and the Ollie Darsey Sunday School Class.

Mrs. Byrd is survived by her husband, Elbert Byrd of Rich- mond Hill; children, Penny (Robert) Phillips of Folkston, Sheri (Jim) Wiggins of St. Simons Island, Tom (Shelena) Bent- ley of Richmond Hill, Walter (Barbara) Byrd of Roswell, Rob Byrd of Daisey and Elizabeth (John) Weatherly of Wilming- ton Island; two brothers, Myers (Phyllis) Gaskin and Charles Gaskin, both of Walthourville; one sister, Sara (Michael) Bart of Tybee Island; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Byrd was preceded in death by her husband and father of her children, Maj. C.H. Bentley; her parents, Charlie and Maggie Gaskin; her brothers, Carl Gaskin, Bruce Gaskin and Herbert Gaskin.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, May 11, at Elim Baptist Church Cemetery in Long County with the Revs. Ken- ny Grant and Bobby Brinkley officiating.

Visitation will follow in the fellowship hall of Elim Baptist Church.

Serving as pallbearers are Dusty Phillips, Jeremy Middle- ton, Ryan Middleton, Clint Byrd, Chuck Gaskin, Jeff Gaskin, Byrum Gaskin and Matt Gaskin. Members of the Ollie Darsey Sunday School Class and Bradwell Institute Class of 1958 will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Howard-Jones-Nobles Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online registry at www.hjnfuneralhome.com.