Veda Mae Ward Byrd, 82, of Chadbourn, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at home during the pre-dawn hours. Born in the Williams Township Community of Columbus County, NC, on May 11, 1943, she was the youngest of five siblings born to Joshua and Retha Belle Cartrette Ward. Veda grew up in the community, attending Williams Township School, graduating from High School in 1961. Initially employed by National Spinning Company out of High School, she eventually joined Waccamaw Bank & Trust Company, retiring ultimately from United Carolina Bancshares following over twenty-five years of employment, ending as the Lending Vault Controller.
Veda married John Kenneth Byrd, Sr., of Hallsboro, on October 1, 1961, cherishing 65 years of marriage as a faithful and devoted wife. Veda lived with an unquestioning commitment to her marriage and family, which were central to every decision and action. She supported her husband with selfless love and carried this into the nurturing and rearing of children. She was an adoring mother to her children and Mema to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A dedicated daughter to her parents, losing her mother at the age of eleven and her father in 1975. An ever-present sister to her four siblings, maintaining constant contact through phone calls and visits, when possible. And an always loving Aunt “Vete” to numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Veda saw her family role as one of her greatest gifts and honors. From cooking everyone’s favorite cakes, pies, and dishes to making every gathering a time to remember with special touches to acknowledge all present. She was the family seamstress, always ready to hem, patch, or create whatever might be needed, even with the shortest notice, often with the sound of a whirring sewing machine late into the night.
Veda loved to work outdoors, whether in the vegetable garden or the yard. Countless hours were spent planting, tending, and reaping the benefit of harvesting time in the form of fresh vegetables or beautiful flowers. An annual family tradition was gathering corn to shuck, clean, and “put up” for the Fall and Winter months, as long as she was physically able. The storeroom was also stocked with additional garden vegetables and pickles, lovingly bagged or canned to share during mealtimes with family and friends.
Veda’s commitment to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was at the heart of her life. She was a lifelong member of Beaverdam Original Free Will Baptist Church, where she gave her heart to the Lord early in life and never ceased to grow in the knowledge of the Lord in each and every moment of her life. She received a solid Christian foundation as a child and youth, growing into a believer with a servant’s heart, loved by all. Veda served as a nursery worker, Vacation Bible School secretary for countless years, a choir member, and a dedicated member of the Ladies Auxiliary. Her committed service to the Ladies Auxiliary was rewarded with an Associational Lifelong Service Award in 2010.
Later in life, upon retirement from United Carolina Bancshares, Veda took the opportunity to expand her knowledge by studying to become a Certified Nursing Assistant and eventually spending many years as a substitute schoolteacher in the Columbus County School system. She appreciated both experiences as times to learn and to impact others’ lives through continued service.
Left to cherish her memory, her loving husband, John Kenneth Byrd, Sr.; daughters, Rhonda Byrd Garrell (Joey), Regina Byrd Fairfax (Lynn); son, John “Kenny” Kenneth Byrd, Jr. (Shelley); special daughter, Cecilia Ramirez “Nanny C”; grandchildren, Laura Garrell Bartley (Brandon), David Garrell (Brittney), Ashlee Fairfax White (John David), Daryl Garrell (Jodi), Morgan Fairfax Norris (Daniel), Kenley Byrd, John Isaac Byrd, James Andrew Byrd, Landon Norris (Kelsey), Dawson Norris, Lexi Small (Cole); great-grandchildren, Marley Spivey, Ryleigh Garrell, Jace Wayne Garrell, Emma Jean Garrell, Olivia Garrell, Dally Jo Garrell, Everley Bartley, Bryce Allen Garrell, Isabella White, John Alex White, Whitney Mae Norris; siblings, Mable Gore, Margaret Woodard, and Robert Ward (Jean).
The family will receive friends on Friday, April 3, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:45 pm in the sanctuary of Beaverdam Original Free Will Baptist Church, with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 3:00 pm. Interment to follow with a graveside service at the McPherson Cemetery.
The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the medical staff of the Pulmonary Intensive Care Unit and Second Floor Special Care Unit of New Hanover Regional Medical Center for their exemplary care. And also, to the staff and clinicians of Gentiva Hospice of Whiteville for their support, encouragement, and compassionate care during the final journey of Veda Mae Ward Byrd on this earth in preparation to spend eternity in her heavenly home.
Worthington Funeral Home of Chadbourn is serving the fam
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