Fern Roxanna Rowe Byrd, age 100, died Monday, December 16, 2013 at Edgemont Nursing Home, Wytheville, VA.

She was the daughter of the late William David Rowe and Ester Ruble Rowe of Washington County, Tennessee.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Ward Byrd, son, Grover Clarence Byrd, grandson, Clyde Harold Watson, III, two brothers, Wilder Rowe and Ward Rowe, four sisters, Gladys Rowe, Pauline Hensley, Maxine Brooks and Marie West.

She is survived by one daughter, Carolyn and Clyde Watson of Wytheville, two sons, Jim Byrd of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Ron Byrd, Johnson City and daughter-in-law Patricia Byrd Butler of Johnson City. Nine grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews also survive.

She was a member of Mt. Wesley United Methodist Church for more than 70 years and pianist for more than 50 years. She was a graduate of Washington College Academy and an active senior choir member of Central Baptist Church in Johnson City and Community Choir of Max Meadows, VA.

Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 pm Thursday, December 19, 2013 at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Reverend Cindy Privette officiating. The family will receive at the funeral home from 1:00-2:00 pm Thursday prior to the service. Interment will follow at Mt. Wesley Cemetery.

A special thanks is extended to the staff of Edgemont Nursing Center and Advance Home Health.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Wesley United Methodist Church, Jim Kyker Treasurer, 1126 Conklin Rd. Jonesborough, TN 37659.