Geneva Byrd

Geneva Lee Burton Akin Byrd, 91, of Monticello, passed away Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at the Woods Nursing and Rehab Facility in Monticello. She was born on February 11, 1925 in Monticello to the late Floyd and Blanche Webb Burton. Survivors include one sister, Beverly Burton Linn of St. Maries, Idaho; one step-son, Don Byrd and wife Linda of Clarksville; one step-daughter, Evelyn Byrd Jeffers and husband Bill of Hampton; her grandchildren, Vickie Norris and husband Sam of Monticello, Laura Akin Strickland and husband Paul of Benton, Melissa Haisty Johnston and husband Mitchell of Little Rock; Carrie Akin Williams and husband, Chris of Bryant, Jon Byrd of Burleson, Texas, Leanne Colvin of Russellville and Jason Jeffers of Hampton; eight great-grandchildren, Ashley Tiner Weast and husband Chris of Monticello, Katie and Chloe Strickland of Benton, Andrew, AnnaKay and Brooks Johnston of Little Rock, Ella and Cole Williams of Bryant and Hannah Colvin of Russellville; one great-great-granddaughter, Anniston Weast of Monticello; one daughter-in-law, Belinda Akin of Monticello and one son-in law, Barry Haisty of Monticello and other loved ones and friends. Also preceding her in death were her husbands, Floyd Akin and Benson Byrd; one daughter, Barbara Akin Haisty and one son, Jerry Don Akin and three brothers, Ronald, Reginald and Bobby Ray Burton. Geneva worked at Commercial Bank for 20 years. After retiring, she continued working for the bank as the coordinator for the travel club for an additional seven years. She was proud to have had the opportunity to visit all the continental states with the exception of Wisconsin and of visiting Hawaii on four separate occasions. She was an active member of the Drew Memorial Hospital and served as treasurer for 10 years. She and her husband Benson were recognized as Billie Boosters because of their strong support to the athletic program of the Monticello School District. Her greatest delight in life was her family, her friends and her flowers. Throughout her long illness, a smile was always on her face and she continued to touch the lives of others. Funeral Service will be 2 p.m. Friday, September 16, 2016 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with burial in Union Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour preceding the service at the funeral home. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.