Velta Vernell Byrd, Age 89, passed away May 20, 2023, in Stamps, Arkansas surrounded by her loved ones.  She was born on July 10, 1933, to Kermit and Ruby (Foster) Wheelington in Stamps, AR.

Mrs. Byrd was a member of Stamps Church of Christ, and a graduate of Stamps High School in the class of 1950.  She retired from Lafayette County Schools in 2010, after 33 years of service. She enjoyed camping, country music shows, blue grass festivals, traveling, going to Branson with her sisters, cooking, and most of all, spending time with her family.

She married Truman Byrd in 1950 and was married for 56 years.

Mrs. Byrd is preceded in death by her parents, Kermit and Ruby Wheelington; husband, Truman Byrd; son, Mark Byrd; grandson, Randy Byrd; two sisters, Estelle Reeves and Florine Powell.

She is survived by one daughter, Connie Rogers and husband Lacy, of Stamps, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Kristen Reeves and husband David, of Magnolia, Arkansas, Misty Cunny and husband Jeff of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Shelly Cason and husband Josh of Nashville, Arkansas, and Anthony Rogers and wife Morgan of Hope, Arkansas;  six great-grandchildren, Trevor Reeves, Everly Rogers, Travis Rogers, and Oakley Rogers, Andrew Cason, and Emmalin Cunny due November 2023.  She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to her four sitters Flossie, Debbie, Doris, and Phyllis that sat with her at Dudneywood in Magnolia, Arkansas.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 23, 2023, with special speaker Mr. Jay Launiusa officiating at the Smith Chapel in Stamps, Arkansas.  Interment will follow at Sardis Cemetery, under the direction of A.O. Smith Funeral Home.  Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Monday, May 22, 2023, at the funeral home.

Honoring Mrs. Byrd as her pallbearers are James Knighton, Randy Phillips, Bill Minter, David Porter, Brad Chase, Ian Ouei.