Marie Stephenson Byrd

Benson, NC: Mrs. Marie Stephenson Byrd, age 98, passed away very peacefully on Monday, November 11, 2024 at her daughter’s residence, surrounded by her loving family. Funeral Services will be 11:00AM-Thursday, November 14, 2024 at the Benson Pentecostal Holiness Church in Benson. Officiating will be Revs. Mark Fields, Chris Beasley, and Bill Daniels. Burial will follow in Devotional Gardens in Dunn. 

Mrs. Byrd was born on April 26, 1926, in Johnston County, NC to the late Irving and Minnie Etta Barefoot Stephenson. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Zeb B. Byrd, Jr.; granddaughter, Dawn Pilar Byrd; and her five brothers and sisters. Mrs. Byrd was affectionately known to everyone who knew her as “Mother Ree”. She was a devoted Christian and was a member of Benson Pentecostal Holiness Church for over 60 years. She and her husband contributed to many Christian charities but held a special place in their hearts for Falcon Children’s Home. Mrs. Byrd endured many hardships throughout her lifetime but always kept her faith. Mrs. Byrd loved to cook and spend time with her family. She also enjoyed working in her flower gardens. Mrs. Byrd enjoyed going shopping with her nieces and close friends. In her later years, when she became homebound Mother Ree continued to enjoy listening to preaching and worshipping her Lord and Savior. 

Survivors include her children, Charles Byrd and Amy of Benson, Sandra Daniels and husband, Bill of Benson, Phillip Byrd of Benson, Steve Byrd and wife, Karen of Angier, and Rodney Byrd and wife, Erica of Benson; grandchildren, Zeb Byrd, Austin Byrd, Brent Massengill (Shannon), David Massengill (Christy), Sandy Barnes (Danny), Heather Hall (Johnathan), Jonathan Daniels (Brandie), Phil Byrd, Jr. (Bonny), Lee Byrd (Erin), Emmy Byrd (Hunter), Elli Anna Byrd; fourteen great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. 

The family will receive friends from 6:00PM to 8:00PM on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson and other times at the home of Sandra and Bill Daniels. 

The Byrd Family would like to extend a very special thank you to Sandra and Bill Daniels for the loving care given to their mother over the last four years and to 3HC Hospice for the excellent care provided. 

Flowers are welcomed; however, memorials may be made to Benson Pentecostal Holiness Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 177, Benson, NC 27504 or to Falcon Children’s Home, P.O. Box 39, Falcon, NC 28342.

The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements by Rose and Graham Funeral Home in Benson, NC.