Joy May Byrd

Joy May Byrd, 74, died Sept. 28, 2003, at Whidbey General Hospital, Coupeville. She was born Jan. 5, 1929, in Okmulgee, Okla., to Roy Ellsworth and Mary Augusta (Miller) Roberts.

Joy was raised in Redondo Beach, Calif., and graduated from Redondo Beach High School. At the age of 17, she was married to Johnny Ray Byrd. She and Johnny raised three children. As an Army family, Joy and Johnny traveled the world. The military sent them to Germany, France, Guam and Korea, as well as across the United States.

Joy obtained her certificate as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Following Johnny’s retirement she returned to Bellevue Community College and received her license as a registered nurse (RN). She worked at Swedish Hospital, Seattle, for 15 years in the maternity ward.

Joy moved to Whidbey Island 13 years ago to be near her sister, Happy. She enjoyed traveling, fishing, needlepoint, reading, puzzles, trains and bears. Most of all, she enjoyed her family.

Joy is survived by her husband Johnny at the family home, Coupeville; by two children Margot Susanna Rowland of Auburn and Keith Martin Byrd and his wife Deborah of Bellevue. Two brothers and one sister survive her: Dick Roberts of Bellevue, Pat Roberts of Lake Almoner, Calif., and Annie Harbuck of Redondo Beach, Calif. Seven grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and three great-grandchildren also survive. One daughter Linda Rae Wilcox and two sisters, Dorothy Hathaway and Gladys “Happy” Street, and one brother Roy Roberts preceded her in death.

Private family services were held at Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor, on Sept. 30, with Mr. Keith Martin Byrd officiating. Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow at a later date. Arrangements by Burley Funeral Chapel.