Barbara Jo Deason Byrd

Barbara Jo Deason Byrd, 78, of Hiddenite, NC, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord on November 13, 2025. Born in Lansdowne, PA, she was the beloved daughter of the late Elmer and Joy Brunk Deason.

Barbara was a devoted wife to her husband, Gene Byrd and they built a loving life for 40 years. She was a very loving mother to the three daughters she had with her first husband, Jerry Cash. Amy Johnson (Larry), Joylyn Gray (the late Benny Gray), and Nora Cash-Davie were beloved and were her babies no matter how old they were. She cherished her grandchildren—April Cheers (Tony), Ashlen Klutz (Jonah), Abagail Moretz (Coulter), EJ Davie, Elliotte Davie, and Vee Johnson—as well as her great-grandchildren, Joseph, Ryder, and Draco, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy.

BJ may have been born in PA, but she was a Texas girl thru and thru! She roamed the fields and piney thickets of Minden, Texas as a child on her horse, Sugar, and with her dog Chico as her best friend. A graduate of W.W. Samuell High School in Dallas, Texas, Class of 1963, Barbara carried her Texas strength and spirit throughout her life. She was a spitfire in the best way—determined, joyful, and full of grit. When she set her mind to something, she accomplished it with heart.

Barbara’s life was marked by service, compassion, and faith. She retired from Hospice of Alexander County in 2006, a career she loved deeply. Caring for others came naturally to her; she had a gentle way of showing up for people in their hardest moments. She was a sweet caretaker, a prayer warrior, and a steadfast child of God whose faith guided her daily. Outside of her work, Barbara found joy in reading, studying the Bible, singing, gardening, and traveling with her children—creating precious memories that her family will carry forever.

Above all, Barbara was a precious momma—fun, loving, strong, and endlessly supportive. Her warmth and light will be missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her. 

Receiving will be from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Taylorsville, NC on Sunday, November 16, 2025. The funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Burial will follow in the Hiddenite Cemetery. Rev. Steve Dagenhart will officiate.

Her family celebrates her home-going and holds close the legacy of love she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Camp Meeting fund at Calvary Baptist Church in Taylorsville, NC. Please mail to 417 Airport Road Taylorsville, NC 28681.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com