KATHERYNE BYRD

06/06/1929 - 03/21/2023

Katheryne Hamm Byrd died peacefully at home on March 21, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. Kathy was born June 6, 1929, in Orlando, Florida, to Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Hamm. She was raised in a genteel world that called for gloves, hats, and heels. As a teenager, she played piano for her church, taught Sunday school, and formed and directed a Junior Choir. She was a high school cheerleader and valedictorian of her class. Kathy attended business school for a year before enrolling at the University of Florida where she pledged Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and was a member of the University Mixed Chorus. During a performance of “Elijah” with the Men’s Glee Club, she met the love of her life, Julian Byrd, whom she married six months later. Kathy and Julian had a deep and eternal affection and a loving marriage for 69-1/2 years. Julian described Kathy as an elegant woman with an engaging smile who was beautiful at every age.

While in college, they had their first child, Bridgett Elaine. Julian then attended Seminary at Duke University, where Kathy was an officer with the wives group, the Duke Divinity Dames. After Seminary, they moved to Houston where their second child, Michael Julian, was born. Kathy’s life was primarily centered around her family. She hosted countless students in their home after high school sports events, where she served sandwiches and punch for hours on end.

Kathy was very proud of both Bridgett, who had a career in Washington, DC, working in Congress to improve health care for children, and Mike, an energy transactions attorney.

Kathy was employed at Foley’s for 32 years, beginning in Human Resources and retiring as an Assistant Store Manager. She was active in the Houston Personnel Association and worked with Distributive Education Students to teach them interviewing skills. She hired the staff for 3 stores and was dearly loved by those staffs. While working at Foley’s, Kathy was hired by Clairol Hair Products as a model for their weekend shows. She was their blonde model for several years and remained a blonde the rest of her life. She was honored m 1980 by the YMCA as one of the outstanding women in Houston and was selected to appear in the WHO’s WHO in Houston book in 1982.

Upon retirement from Foley’s, Kathy served for 8 years as the wedding coordinator for St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, assisting in almost 1000 weddings.

She loved weddings and after retirement, served as a volunteer on the Wedding Guild for several years. Kathy was an active member of St. Luke’s for over 40 years, and served on the Administrative Board, the Finance Committee, and both the Wedding Guild and Funeral Guild. She was still helping with funerals in her 80’s. She was a member of the Goodwill Class, the United Methodist Women, and attended the afternoon study circle.

Kathy loved to bake and at Christmas, her favorite time of year, she baked hundreds of cookies which she distributed to neighbors, friends, and mail carriers. She loved sports and was a season ticket holder for the Oilers and Texans and an avid fan of the Astros, Florida Gators, and Texas Longhorns. She was a faithful Democrat and a two-time delegate to the county convention.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents and her older siblings, William, Harold, Bennie, Elizabeth, and Willeen; several in-laws, and 3 nieces. Kathy had 9 nieces and was told by several that she was their role model.

Julian and Kathy loved to travel and attended conventions and meetings in many major cities in the U.S. as well as Canada, Australia, and Europe. Upon retirement, they toured Europe, took cruises, and traveled with their grandchildren. She adored her grandchildren and never missed their games, recitals, or Grandparents’ Days.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Julian, her children, Bridgett and Mike and his wife Myra; grandchildren, Megan, Ryan (and wife, Dawn), Mary Kent, Laura, Katheryne (“Katy”), and Andrew; and great grandchildren, Dailyn, Ruby, Connor, and Maisie. She is also survived by sisters in law, Frances Hamm and Evelyn Byrd, as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, where Dr. Tom Pace, Senior Pastor, will officiate. Interment will be at Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery in Orlando, Florida. In lieu of flowers, Kathy requested gifts to the music department of

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77027; or online at www.stlukesmethodist.org.