Ms. Edna Byrd born April 11, 1943 passed January 30, 2023

We cherish the life and legacy of Ms. Edna Byrd

Arrangements are under the direction of Allen Dave Funeral Home 2103 Cypress Landing Rd.

Houston, Texas 77090 (p) 713-480-2966 (f) 713-634-2707

Edna Myra Byrd was born on April 11, 1943, in Cooper, Texas to the union of the late Milas and
Vivian Shanklin. She began another journey when our heavenly father called His sweet child
home to rest on January 30, 2023, with her beloved family by her side. She accepted Jesus
Christ at a young age and was an active member of New Zion Baptist Church in Cooper, Texas.
She later became a faithful member of The Luke Church in Humble, Texas.
Edna attended Booker T. Washington High School in Cooper, Texas where she was an honor
student and elite basketball player. After winning the Speech and Debate Championship at
Prairie View A & M University as a high school student, she decided to leave her small
hometown and return to Prairie View A & M University where she earned a Bachelor of Science
in Nursing in 1967 and a Master of Education in 1976.
In 1967 she began her nursing career at Lockwood Hospital in Houston, Texas. She later
served at AMI Parkway Hospital as the Emergency Room Clinical Coordinator and Lyndon B.
Johnson Hospital. She served as an Emergency Room Registered Nurse for forty-five years.
She had a natural gift for serving people which was exemplified through mentoring and being
preceptor to many nurses, sharing the wisdom and experience that she gained over the years.
She was very conscientious in serving her patients with dignity, respect and true compassion.
Her service and compassion landed her at the 1984 Olympics with the United States Health
team serving as a nurse for thousands of participating athletes.
Edna was a dedicated mother who treasured her children and embraced every moment with
them. She is affectionately called G-Momma and GiGi-Momma by her grandchildren and great-
grandchildren who she spoiled and would move heaven and earth for. She was the most loving,
humble, compassionate, understanding, family-orientated woman and one of the most beautiful
souls one could ever meet. Edna enjoyed cooking, shopping, traveling, gardening, and getting
together with family and friends.
Edna is survived by her children; Dexter Byrd (Dora) and Dana Byrd-Arreola (Eric),
Grandchildren; Darrell Williams II (Endia), Devin Williams, Rian Wilson, Reese Wilson, Eric
Arreola Jr., and Lyndsey Byrd, Great Grandchildren; Darrell Williams III and Rise Williams,
Sibling; Bloyce Shanklin Sr. (Mary-Ann), a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Milas and Vivian Shanklin, brothers; Milas Shanklin Jr.
and Roy Shanklin, sister; JoAnn Terry, ex-husband/friend in life; Hilton Byrd.