VIRGINIA MARILYN BYRD

Westminster- Virginia Marilyn Barnett Barker Byrd, 85, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, September 4th, 2022 in Rock Hill, South Carolina after a long illness. She was a native of Oconee County having been born in Westminster on January 3rd, 1937. Marilyn (Lynn) was the daughter of Albert and Eleise Barnett.

 

She lived most of her adult life in Walhalla where she worked for many years with Dr. Alton Barnett in his dental practice in Walhalla, always saying that these were some of the happiest years of her life. She loved working in the field of dentistry and took great pride in helping care for their patients, many of whom were or became dear friends over the years. She was involved in many civic and social organizations during her adult years including the Walhalla DAR and volunteered at the Walhalla Performing Arts Center. Being a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt were her greatest joys in life. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church all of her adult life and became an associate member of Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church in Rock Hill after relocating to Rock Hill to be closer to her family.

 

She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca McGinnis, son-in-law Greg of Rock Hill; grandson, Jonathan McGinnis and his wife Melissa of Rock Hill and a great-grandson Marshall McGinnis; brother, Richard Barnett of Westminster; many special cousins, nieces, and nephews; including Mandy and Katelin Barnett and Brookelyn Barnes and a very special caregiver, Colleen Edington, who was loved as a family member.

 

In addition to her parents, Marilyn is preceded in death by her first husband James Barker, her second husband Richard Byrd, and her brother Frank Barnett.

 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 pm, October 7th, 2022 at Heritage Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel, the family will receive friends following the service. Per Virginia’s wishes, private entombment was held at Heritage Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

 

The family is at their respective homes. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Virginia’s memory can be made to The Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 E. North Broad Street, Walhalla, SC 29691, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 301 W. Main Street, Walhalla, SC 29691, or Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church, 421 Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill, SC 29732. A message of condolence may be written to the family by visiting www.sandiferfuneralhome.com.

 

 

SANDIFER FUNERAL HOME IS ASSISTING THE BYRD FAMILY