Alberta Byrd's Obituary
Alberta Byrd, 76, peacefully passed away on June 30, 2024, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
Alberta was born on Friday, November 7, 1947, to Moses and Mary Flowers. This blessed event took place at the Highland Hospital in Oakland, California. From the start she was a “Daddy’s Girl.”
Alberta attended Tompkins Elementary School, Lowell Middle School, and McClymonds High School in Oakland, California. She also attended Ephesian Missionary Baptist Church where she loved singing in the choir. When she wasn’t singing in the choir, she enjoyed playing softball with her brothers and allowing them to teach her how to fight.
In 1963, she met and married Robert L. Ryan Sr., and they later had two beautiful daughters Marjorie Ann Ryan (who preceded her in death) and Stephanie Ann Ryan. Being young and not knowing what life might bring, this union shortly ended. However, being a woman of faith and strength, she continued raising Stephanie. Little did she know that her life was about to be blessed tremendously. In 1966, she met a (as she would jokingly say) “tall, handsome, fellow.” His name was Roy L. Byrd Sr. and he quickly became the love of her life. Shortly after meeting, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Vietnam. Alberta would have to patiently wait for him, and with a lot of prayer, faith, and love she did just that.
Roy Sr. safely returned home and then on May 11, 1968, they joined hands and hearts in holy matrimony. Alberta joined Roy’s army career which included traveling to; Georgia, Fort Lewis, Washington and Zweibrucken, Germany. From this beautiful union they were blessed with two handsome sons, Roy L. Byrd Jr. (“Roy Jr.”), and Anthony D. Byrd (“Beeba”).
Her life was complete with her children and her marriage. She never lost sight of things she loved to do which was softball, jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, solitaire, dominos, and most of all, ceramics. Alberta also loved children which is how she ended up babysitting for many other military families.
Her union with Roy Byrd Sr. came to an end and in 1978, Alberta returned to Oakland with her three children. With her faith and bravery, she was ready to tackle another journey in life because she knew she had to be the main provider for her children. Her love for children inspired her to accept a job at the Lafayette Elementary School in Oakland, California as a Campus Supervisor in 1980. Up until the day she retired in 2000, she selflessly touched the lives of so many children and families. Her twenty-year career also included being the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) president and spearheading many functions and fundraisers.
After retirement she enjoyed spending quality time with her children and grandchildren, even visiting them out of state on some occasions. Alberta loved to laugh and crack jokes; she had a great sense of humor. She was fun, outgoing, personable and just a joy to be around and her. She immensely enjoyed the company of others. She was infamously known for making friends with neighbors wherever she went, and having a lively household where many would gather to laugh and enjoy each other’s company. She enjoyed traveling to Colorado, Cache Creek Casino, and even took a memorable trip to Disneyland with her family. Nevertheless, her greatest enjoyment came from purchasing and participating in the lottery. She would play her “numbers” at the Energy Gas Station or Mobile Gas Station and every day she loyally checked to see if she’d be a winner. She did win on many occasions!
She will be missed deeply and will always be remembered for her wisdom, generosity, and warm and caring heart.
Alberta was preceded in death by her daughter, Marjorie Ryan, her father Moses Flowers, her mother Mary Flowers, and her siblings; Jenny Flowers, Katie Flowers, William Flowers, John Flowers, David Flowers, Walter Flowers, and Laura Flowers (Brooks).
Alberta is survived by her daughter: Stephanie Ryan, son: Roy Byrd Jr. (Kristen), son: Anthony Byrd (Lakisha), and by her eight grandchildren, Marcus Smith Jr., Nadia Kimbell, Alegra Byrd, Cheyenne Byrd, Anthony Byrd Jr. (Joliyah), Ramiyah Byrd, Harper Byrd, and another grandchild on the way. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Anthony Byrd III, Jayden Byrd, and many more relatives and close friends all of those whose lives she lovingly touched.
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