Kathleen “Kathy” Gail Berkey Byrd of Tupelo, Mississippi, passed away on July 27, 2026. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Kathleen was the daughter of the late Esto Ray and Mary Louise Dittemore Berkey. She was preceded in death by the love of her life and husband of 44 years, James Larry Byrd, who passed away on October 17, 2013; and her sisters, Mary B. Bridgens and Martha Sewell.
Kathy was a registered nurse in her early years and met her husband while they were both serving in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. She served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army Nurse Corps from 1967 to 1969, including one year overseas in Korea during the Vietnam War. Later, Kathy and her husband Larry owned and operated Locke Drug Store in Ripley, Mississippi, for 30 years. Together, they had a heart for helping others, and that compassion was reflected in the care and kindness they showed to their customers.
Kathy made sure her family always felt loved, cared for, and supported. She was a woman of faith who loved the Lord with all her heart and lived her life as a reflection of that love. She was a faithful member of Wesley Methodist Church in Tupelo, where she treasured her friendships with her Sunday School family and the fellowship they shared. Kathy loved the beauty of God’s creation and found great joy
sitting on her back porch watching the birds and taking in the simple blessings around her. She was an aggravator to the core, bringing laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories to those who knew and loved her. She enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, especially a sweet treat, and never missed an opportunity to share her spirited personality with those around her. Kathy’s faith, love for her family, and appreciation for the little moments in life will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
As Scripture reminds us, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Generations Senior Living for the love and care they showed to their mom. She was truly loved by everyone there, and she loved them in return.
Kathy leaves behind her children, Craig Byrd (Laura Lynn) of Aberdeen and Claudia Holliday (Blaine) of Tupelo; her grandchildren, Amber Patterson (Chris) of Ethelsville, Alabama, Kara Woods (Bryant) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Cade Holliday (special friend Madison), Laura Holliday of Tupelo, Ellianna Byrd, Lillian Byrd, J.D. Byrd, and Raely Byrd of Aberdeen; her great-grandchildren, Abby Beth Beamer, Anny Lou Patterson, and Parker Woods; and her sister, Sara Smith of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Graveside services will be held at 1 o’clock on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Clear Creek Baptist Cemetery in Holly Springs, (1704 Clear Creek Rd, Lamar, MS 38642-9449. with Rev. Dr. Jim McClurken officiating. Holland Funeral Directors are honored to be serving the friends and family.
Though her family’s hearts are broken, they find comfort knowing Kathy is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved Larry — a reunion surely filled with love, laughter, and joy. Her legacy of kindness, strength, faith, laughter, and devotion to her family will continue to live on through all who knew and loved her.
