Gertrude Elizabeth Johnson Byars, 99, died Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014 at her home in Paris. She was born February 11, 1915 in Water Valley, to the late Lawrence and Gertie Mae Summers Johnson. She was of the Baptist faith and was fondly known as “Sister”. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, making dolls and stuffed animals, and working puzzles. From age 93 to 95 she worked alongside her daughter, Lottie at Harmon’s Restaurant. She was a devoted grandmother and loved taking care of her grandchildren (each one thought they were her “favorite”).
Her funeral service was Monday at 3 p.m. at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley with Bro. R.W. Moffett officiating. Burial was in Pine Flat Cemetery in Lafayette County with Gary Morris, Robert Coleman, Danny Thompson, Marty Harmon, Rob Reinstetle, and David Thompson serving as pallbearers. She is survived by her daughter, Lottie Harmon, Banner; her son, Harvey “Sonny” and Janis Byars, Lillian, AL; one sister, Margie Darby, Batesville; one brother, Billy (Jeanette) Johnson, Huntsville, AL; 19 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, 32 great great grandchildren, and six great great great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Byars, her daughter, Nancy Thompson; her son, J.W. Byars; six grandchildren, Cynthia Harmon, Diana Lynn Harmon, Regina Harmon Fielder, Jimmy Byars, Gloria Jean Byars and Darby Thompson Shelton.