Winifred Byrd

Winifred Bernice Byrd (December 6, 1925 - July 24-2018)Winifred Bernice Woods was born December 6, 1925. She was the third of five children born to Jewel Jimana Quillian Woods and Lloyd Bruce Woods. Winnie (as she was affectionately called) spent her childhood in Colorado Springs, Colo. Always a good student, she won a full academic scholarship to study biology at the prestigious Colorado College. Although Winnie would have preferred her maternal grandmother's alma mater, Howard University, there were financial constraints. She worked as a domestic to help finance her education and assist her mother with household finances as Winnie's father had become disabled. In 1947, Winnie and her dear sister Aletha graduated from a class that included only four other African-American students.During college Winnie met Curtis Rudolph Byrd who was stationed at nearby Fort Carson. He was a charming young Army soldier who joined a choir so that he could spend time with Winnie. After she finished college, and Curtis returned from his tour in WWII, the couple married in Jefferson City, Mo., on November 25, 1948. Winnie began her ambitious career as a medical technologist while Curtis taught Industrial Arts at his alma mater Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo. The couple welcomed David Bruce in 1950. That same year, the family migrated to Detroit, Mich., and established themselves in the community. In 1961 they welcomed Michelle Elainea beautiful and unexpected surprise. A dedicated mother, Winnie actively supported her children's band, orchestra, and Scouting activities. She also sang in the choir and was a talented crafter. Winnie retired in 1981 from a medical technologist career that spanned more than 35 years. She and Curtis moved to Silver Springs Shores and joined the SSSP family. While living in the Shores, Winnie participated in many volunteer activities, including Habitat for Humanity and serving as treasurer of the American Association of University Women. However, her favorite activities revolved around Silver Springs Shores Presbyterian Church where she served as deacon and elder and was a longstanding member of the choir for almost 30 years. In her spare time she loved to sew, watch golf, eat out, knit and go to the theatre. Without being asked, Winnie was always willing to help friends and anyone in need. Even a fixed income, she was a generous contributor to many charitable organizationsIn February of this year she moved to The Windsor of Ocala where she received loving care and engagement. Winnie is survived by her son David of Atlanta; daughter, Michelle Fielder (Anthony) of Somerset, N.J.; brother, Robert Woods (Wanda) of Oakland Calif.; grandchildren, David Ahmad Byrd-Marrow (Yuko) of New York and Adia Fielder of Somerset N.J.; and a host of family and friends nationwide. Together, we will remember Winnie as a woman who was full of life, fun, kindness, joy, creativity, industriousness and smarts.Memorial Services will be held at Silver Springs Shores Presbyterian Church 674 Silver Road Ocala, FL 34472. On Friday July 27, 2018 at 11:00 am. Final Interment Services for Winnie Byrd will be conducted at Florida National Cemetery 6502 SW 102nd Avenue Bushnell, FL 33513 on Wednesday August 01, 2018 at 11:30 amThe family requests that in Lieu of flowers please make donations to: SSSP Memorial Fund 674 Silver Road Ocala, FL 34472

Winifred Byrd

December 6, 1925 - July 24, 2018