Betty Jo Shepard Byrd, age 93, slipped peacefully from this world on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, into her heavenly home, surrounded by the loved ones who meant so much to her.
Betty was born on November 13, 1932, on a cold morning in Elizabethton, Tennessee, to the late Glen and Beulah Shepard. A graduate of Science Hill High School, Class of 1951, Betty made Johnson City, Tennessee, her home for the majority of her life. She was a charter member of Milligan Free Will Baptist Church in Johnson City, where her faith remained an important part of her life.
Family was at the heart of Betty’s world. She loved nothing more than spending time with her family and was known for opening her home and her heart to everyone. She hosted countless family meals, holidays, and celebrations, creating memories that will be treasured for generations to come.
Those who knew Betty well knew that she was an avid Atlanta Braves fan and never missed her favorite show, The Young and the Restless. In her later years, she became the family’s beloved “Bingo Queen,” bringing her trademark spirit and competitive nature to every game.
Betty was also a dedicated and hardworking woman. She retired from Advance Auto Parts after more than 54 years of faithful service, where she served as credit manager for many years. Her commitment to her work was a testament to the loyalty, strength, and determination that defined her throughout her life.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Beulah Shepard; her beloved husband of 65 years, Dewey “D.H.” Byrd; her brother, Richard Shepard (Marilyn); and her sisters, Judy Copeland and Jean Yates (Jim).
She leaves behind a family who will carry her memory and love with them always: her two daughters, Pamela Laws (David Gouge) of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Carol Godsey (John) of Jonesborough, Tennessee; grandson James Alexander of Chattanooga, Tennessee; granddaughters Krystal Stocker (Adam) of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Marsha Clevinger (Chris) and Cara Stockton (Keith) of Johnson City, Tennessee; fifteen great-grandchildren, Katelyn Alexander, Cullen Alexander (Erin), Kegan Alexander, Hannah Stocker and Ayden Stocker of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Jake Ramsey (Madisyn), Mason Ramsey, Blakley Clevinger, Garrett Stockton (Kayla), Chloe Potter (Dale) and Noah Stockton of Johnson City, Tennessee; and great-great-grandsons, Maverick Alexander of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Sawyer Stockton, Layton Potter, and Baby Ramsey of Johnson City, Tennessee who is on the way. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Bowman of Johnson City, Tennessee, along with many beloved nieces and nephews whom she adored.
Betty’s family was her greatest joy, and the love she gave so freely will live on in the many lives she touched. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort knowing that she has gone home to her heavenly Father and is reunited with the loved ones who have gone on before her.
Funeral services will be held at Milligan Free Will Baptist Church on Friday, August 14, 2026. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the funeral service immediately following. Pastors Mark Street and Tom Maines will officiate.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Monta Vista Cemetery in the Garden of the Four Gospels.
Pallbearers will be James Alexander, Cullen Alexander, Kegan Alexander, Adam Stocker, Ayden Stocker, and James Bowman. Honorary pallbearers will be Betty’s sons-in-law, John Godsey and David Gouge, and her nephews, Darrell Byrd, Tim Byrd, and Jeff Bowman.
Betty will be remembered for her unwavering love of family, her strength, her faith, her humor, and the countless memories she created around her table and in the lives of those she loved. Her earthly journey is complete, but the love she gave will remain forever. Well done, good and faithful servant.
