Norene (Thornton) Byrd

Mrs. Norene Thornton Byrd, age 90, of Patterson, passed away Friday morning (12/24/21) at Harborview Pierce County following an extended illness. 

Born September 5, 1931 in Patterson, she was the daughter of the late Lonnie Thornton and Alice Foster Thornton Aldridge. She lived all of her life in Patterson and was a 1949 graduate of Patterson High School. She and her family were the longtime owners of Byrd’s IGA, operating for almost 50 years.  

A faithful member of Patterson Baptist Church, she attended the Hope Sunday School Class and was a past teacher of the 3rd and 4th grade class.  She was a former member of the Patterson Garden Club and Patterson Exchange Club. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Virgil “H.V.” Byrd, Sr.; and her brother, Hewshal Thornton. 

Survivors include her 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Herbie and Judy Byrd and Lon and Kim Byrd, all of Patterson; 3 grandchildren, Bert Byrd (wife Stephanie) of Patterson, Elizabeth Prohaska (husband Dr. Matthew) of Danville, Vermont, and Meg Byrd of Waynesboro; 7 great grandchildren, Davis Byrd, Alice Byrd, Garrison Joyner, J.C. Cook, Olivia Prohaska, Nathaniel Prohaska, and Eliza Prohaska; several nieces and nephews; and many special friends and other relatives. 

A funeral service will take place Tuesday morning (12/28/21) at 11 a.m. at Patterson Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Patterson Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Patterson Baptist Church, P.O. Box 385, Patterson, GA 31557. 

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com. 

Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements. 

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