LaVerne C. Byrd

LaVerne C. Byrd, 94, of Sault Ste. Marie, died December 5, 2021.

LaVerne was born August 20, 1927, in Sublette, Illinois. She graduated from Amboy Township High School in 1945 and in 1949 graduated from Illinois State Normal University with a Bachelor of Science in Education.

LaVerne married Cecil L. Byrd in Polo, Illinois on May 13, 1950. In 1967 Cecil retired from active duty in the United States Air Force. LaVerne and Cecil built their dream home on the shores of Lake Huron near DeTour Village. In 1968 LaVerne began her teaching career with the DeTour Area Schools. She was a much beloved elementary school teacher and was chosen “Teacher of the Year” during her tenure. After retiring in 1985, LaVerne and Cecil moved to the Petoskey and Harbor Springs area. In 2016 they relocated to Sault Ste. Marie.

LaVerne is remembered by her family as a woman of intelligence, talent, and taste. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother. LaVerne and Cecil were blessed with nearly 70 years together.

LaVerne was predeceased by her husband Cecil in August 2019.

LaVerne is survived by son Jeffrey T. (Janet) Byrd of Amissville, VA; daughter Jeri Ann (John) Sherry of Sault Ste. Marie, MI; grandsons Jared T. Byrd of Lansing, MI; James E. Sherry of Dallas, TX; John P. Sherry of Montreal, QC; granddaughter Brianna (Daniel) Markowitz and great-grandson Wesley C. Markowitz all of Gainesville, VA.

LaVerne will be laid to rest alongside Cecil in a private ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC at a later date.

The Byrd and Sherry families wish to thank the staff of McKinley Manor and Freighter View Assisted Living for the professionalism, kindness and care shown LaVerne in her final years. Clark Hovie Galer Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of LaVerne Cecelia Byrd please visit our Sympathy Store.