Tommie Lou Byrd

Tommie Lou Byrd, affectionately known as Tommie to her friends and family, left this world to join her beloved husband in eternal rest on January 17, 2025, in Hartford, Alabama. Born in the quaint town of Black, Alabama, on March 30, 1942, Tommie's life was an inspiring tapestry woven with love, creativity, and a spirited passion for the simple joys of life.

Tommie's early years in Black were the foundation of a life characterized by her handy and artistic nature. She carried these traits throughout her life, and they shone brightly in her work as a dietary manager at Flowers Hospital, where she dedicated 25 years of service. Tommie's work ethic and involvement in the hospital community were testaments to her commitment to care for others.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Tommie was a woman of many interests. Her feisty spirit was perfectly complemented by her love for painting and transforming thrift store furniture finds into beautiful pieces for her home. She was particularly proud of the headboard and medicine cabinet she built with her own hands, both emblematic of her creative and passionate soul.

Family was the cornerstone of Tommie's world. She is survived by a loving family, including her son, Thomas (Anita) Clausen, daughters, Dawn Bryan and Sandra (Tommy) Tregaskis, and her cherished eight grandchildren, Amanda Schwab, Daniel Millwater, Amber Fields, Jeffrey Clausen, Amy Bryan, and Courtney Lane. Her legacy also continues through her 15 great-grandchildren, who will carry forward the love and life lessons she imparted. Tommie's sister, Lucy Wood and several nieces and nephews, will fondly remember her vibrant spirit.

Tommie's life narrative includes moments of sorrow, as she was preceded in death by her mother, Cleola Henderson, by her husband, Bobby Byrd, by her son-in-law, Ray Bryan, her grandchildren, Michael Millwater and Robbie Clausen, her great-grandchild, Jeffrey Clausen, Jr., and her siblings, Billy Bell, James Beall, Johnny Bell, Ronnie Bell, Geneary Bell, and Judy Johnson. Each of these losses marked a chapter in her story, but her strength and resilience always shone through.

Tommie's essence can best be described by the words handy, creative, and passionate. She had a remarkable ability to see the potential in the old and worn, breathing new life into every project she undertook. Her passion for life was contagious, and she inspired those around her to appreciate and find happiness in the simplest of things.

A celebration of Tommie's life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, where family and friends will gather to share memories and honor her extraordinary journey. Tommie will be laid to rest next to her husband in the peaceful embrace of Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for a time of remembrance from 1-2 pm at the funeral home on Saturday, before the service begins.

Tommie's departure leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and an indomitable spirit that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her life was a beautiful portrait of dedication, both to her family and her community, and she will be deeply missed by many. Though she has left this earthly realm, the memories of her warmth and zest for life will endure, a comforting presence for all who were touched by her spirited presence.