March 28, 1941 – September 23, 2023
Mary Alice Byrd was born from the loving union of Mose Byrd and Adine Figurs Byrd on March 28, 1941, in Okmulgee. She was the oldest of four daughters in the family.
Mary confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and joined First Baptist Church Central in Okmulgee, where she served the Lord faithfully. Throughout the obstacles in her life, Mary Alice always remained strong in her faith.
Mary attended Okmulgee Public Schools, where she graduated from the Historic Dunbar High School with the Class of 1959. She earned her Bachelors Degree from the Acclaimed Langston University and her Master’s Degree from Prairie View University.
Later in life, she married Amos Dixon. She enjoyed playing word games, dominos, cards and also loved going to the Casino.
Mary was employed as an educator in the Okmulgee Public Schools system, where she remained teaching until her retirement in 2002.
Soror Mary Alice Byrd was a proud member of The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporate. She exemplified Love for all and had a passion for Education and Humanity. She Invested time, resources and energy in teaching and building future leaders.
The death Angel of the Lord summoned HIS beloved servant, Mary Alice Byrd from her earthly home on Saturday, September 23, 2023. She is now at peace resting in her heavenly home. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Mose and Adine Byrd; a sister, Joyce Byrd; and a nephew, Sherman Brown.
Mary leaves in God’s care to celebrate her memory; her daughter, Arlene Patterson, DeSoto, Texas; her son, Steven Patterson, Okmulgee; her pride and joys consist of her six grandchildren, Andre [Ashanti], DeAundrea, Kandra, Stephanie, Steven Jr., and Syndi; seven great-grandchildren, Andre, Keshawn, Aundrea “Little Pretty”, Jamirea, Alijah, Kendall and Bentleigh; two sisters, Barbara Brown and Racquel Sanders, both of Dallas, Texas; along with a caraavan of nieces, nephws, grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins and friends, including a special cousin, Joann Mangum.
The celebration in honor of a life well lived will commence Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 11 a.m. in the most holy sanctuary of the First Baptist Church, 5th and Seminole Streets in Okmulgee.
Dr. Brayden Buss, the Gracious Host Pastor, Reverend Darren Williams, Pastor of First Baptist Church-Central, The Officiant, and Reverend Clay Jackson, The Eulogist. The Christian Committal and burial will follow at Okmulgee Cemetery.
You may visit Ms. Byrd, as she slumbers in sweet repose in the Chapel of Peace of the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc. of Okmulgee on Friday between the hours of 1-6 p.m. Her Sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will render their “Ivy Beyond the Wall Memorial Ceremony” Friday at 6:08 p.m. The public is welcome to attend the memorial ceremony.
Ms. Mary Alice Byrd has been cared for and her family comforted by Keith Biglow and the staff of Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc.
