Minnie Ellis 'Jo' Byrd

Minnie Jo Josephine Ellis Byrd, 80 of Salem, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 05, 2012. She was born on April 29, 1931 to the late William M. and Lillian Barnett Ellis in Boones Mill, VA. Ms. Byrd was a member of the Shady Grove Baptist Church in Stewartsville and enjoyed spending time with her family at the lake. She enjoyed many nights of square dancing and was known, along with her husband, as an avid gardener, but above all these, she will be remembered mostly as a wonderful mother to her children. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, David Kolmer Byrd; daughter, Jackie Keith Price; five brothers, Ralph Ellis, Herbert Ellis, James Ellis, Billy Ellis and Bobby Ellis; and one sister, Marcella Sis Lee. Surviving to cherish her memory include one son, Tommy Cleatus Price, & wife Barbara; step-son, Michael Roy Byrd; two daughters, Brenda Sue Shade and Patricia Ann Linas; two brothers, Edwin Ellis, & wife Ivie, and Harold Ellis, & wife Jane; two sisters Doris Worrell, & husband Harry, and Shirley Hess; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; numerous nieces & nephews, and her beloved friends at Knollwood Apartments also survive. The family has wished to honor Ms. Byrds wishes to have all services remain private. Friends and family desiring to offer their condolences may do so by visiting www.johnmoakey.com where an online guestbook has been set up under her name.