Beatrice Byrd Parker Russell of Tuscumbia, Alabama, went to her heavenly reward on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. She was 88 years old.
She is survived by her son, Donald R. Parker, and daughter-in-law, Alana Johnson Parker, of Sheffield, Alabama; her granddaughter, Emily Mothershed Dread (Jalen) of Spring Hill, Tennessee; and many extended family members and dear friends.
Beatrice was the daughter of James Rowland Byrd and Elvy Alice Sparks of Tuscumbia, Alabama. The youngest of five children, she was raised on the family farm in the rural community of Underwood Mountain in Colbert County. She married Dewey Preston Parker in November 1951. Beatrice built a life rooted in family and community. Her greatest joy was being mother to her only child, Don.
After retiring in the early 1980s, Beatrice devoted herself to genealogy, passionately researching and documenting the histories of several hundred families across Colbert, Franklin, and surrounding counties. Her work has left a lasting legacy for generations to come.
A graveside service will be held at Franklin Memorial Gardens in Russellville, AL on Thursday, March 6, at 11:00 a.m. Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia will be directing.
