Velma Terressar Byrd Owers passed away peacefully with her family by her
side on Friday, May 20, 2011 in Corpus Christi, Texas. She was born in Many, on November 19, 1911 to Louis and Mary Ellen Byrd, the third of five children. She was raised in Hornbeck, and married “the boy next door,” Colice Edgar Owers on June 20,
1929. They promptly moved to Port Arthur, Texas to begin their wonderful marriage of 50 plus years together. They raised three beautiful girls: Betty Jean, Sybil and Shirley and after Colice’s retirement from Texaco they returned to the home place in
Hornbeck.There they built their dream home and it became the gathering place for many family reunions, celebrations and a second home for her cherished grandchildren.
Granny was a woman of great faith who loved her family deeply and
tended to all of us with great care. She was plain-spoken, but with a heart of gold. An incredible cook, her signature dishes and desserts could never quite be reproduced – although many of us have tried! Anything could be made right with a slice of
her pie. She was with us for 99 years and will be greatly missed and long remembered.
Granny was preceded in death by her brothers Jackson Byrd, Rendrick Byrd, Andrew Byrd and Lester Byrd; her husband, Colice Owers in November 1979; and
her daughter Betty Jean Thornton in 2002. She leaves behind to cherish her memory: daughters Sybil McNeill of Houston, Texas and Shirley O’Brien of Corpus Christi, Texas (Terry deceased); 12 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren (the third and fourth
generations continue to grow); and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to those who made such a difference in Granny’s final years of life: Antonio Guzman, MD and his staff
for such excellent care and enhancing the quality of her life…on her terms; Maria Cabrera for her sweet companionship and wonderful sense of humor; the staff with Amedysis Home Health for their care and support; Maggie/Caring Senior Service – for the
peaceful night’s rest knowing you were on watch; and Vista Care Hospice who provided much needed compassion and comfort.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at the Hixson Funeral Home of Leesville. Funeral
services will be held at 10 a.m. May 26, 2011 at the Bible Baptist Church in Hornbeck, with internment to follow at Oak Grove cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Hixson Funeral Home of Leesville.