Carolyn Byrd
Dearest wife and mother, participant in 1963 March on Washington, advocate for fair lending practices on legislative level
Carolyn Byrd of Midlothian, Va., passed away Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, after an extended illness. She was 82 years old, born Feb. 29, 1936 (a leap year baby) in Washington County, Miss., to the late Grethal Brown Chambers and Carl Chambers. Carolyn was raised by her late aunt and uncle, Wendell and Geneva Chambers Taylor in Jackson, Miss.
Carolyn was educated in the Mississippi parochial schools and continued her higher education at Clark College, now known as Clark-Atlanta University, in Atlanta, Ga
Carolyn married the late Robert Martin and one child, Robin, was born of this union. She later married Richard "Dick" Byrd Dec. 20, 1969. Carolyn was employed first by RCA for 14 years and later by Bell Atlantic, which later became Verizon, for 33 years. She was also employed as an associate in the Hecht's/Macy's cosmetics department in Richmond, Va., for 13 years. She retired from Verizon in 2002 and Hecht's/Macy's in 2004.
Carolyn, affectionately known as "Angel", was very active in the Civil Rights Movement. She participated in the March-On-Washington in 1963 and the Commemoration of the March in 2003, during which she was interviewed. The interview is currently housed in the Library of Congress and can be viewed at www.loc.gov/exhibits/civilrights under the "Voices of Civil Rights Project".
Carolyn also served on the Virginia's AARP State Legislative Committee. She was very proud of the fact that the Committee successfully lobbied the state legislators to pass a bill to prevent pay-day lenders from using aggressive and abusive business practices.
Prior to moving to Virginia, Angel was a member of the Ric-Charles Choral Ensemble that was chosen to perform for the rededication of the Statue of Liberty ceremony. After moving to Virginia, she joined the Huguenot United Methodist Church in Richmond and became a member of the Bell Choir, Choral Choir and Susanna Wesley Circle.
Angel was a very accomplished bowler. She competed in several Women and Mixed Bowlers Major Leagues in New York and New Jersey, averaging 175-180. Representing the Metropolitan Senate Newark, N.J., of the National Bowling Association, Carolyn was voted the Association's 1962 Queen. She was also an avid traveler. During a trip to South Africa, on behalf of the United Methodist Church, she presented a memento to the late Honorable Nelson Mandela. She traveled extensively throughout much of Europe and Asia.
Carolyn was predeceased by her sister, Gloria Young (Donald). She is survived by her devoted husband, Richard; daughter, Robin Brooks Roach (Eric); grandchildren, Christopher Brooks (Jewell), Jennifer Brooks; two great grandchildren; sisters, Karen Maxwell, Sandra Jerald (Fred) and Marcia Chambers; several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019 at Huguenot United Methodist Church, 10661 Duryea Drive, Richmond, VA 23235. Rev. Scott Hopkins officiating. Arrangements are by Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd., Richmond, Va. 23222. Online guest book at scottsfuneralhome.com