CHARLESTON- SANDRA (Sandy) RITA BYRD, mother, grandmother, (affectionately known as "Nanny), sister and friend.

July 8, 1942 – June 1, 2023

Sandy was born in Newport, R.I. on July 8, 1942, to Sally Sophia Henson and Felton Lanier Byrd, who was overseas serving in the U.S. Army. Sandy and Sally were living with and being cared for by her grandparents NCO/Msg Kay Henson & Maria Rossi Henson.

Sandy was extremely proud of being an "army brat." Her Daddy served 22 years in the U.S Third Army from the age of 17 as a Private until his retirement at age 39 as the youngest Lt. Colonel to retire from the 3rd Army Ordnance Division in 1958, at that time.

Sandy was equally proud of her "sainted" mother who at times, with the support of her parents and her Catholic faith, pretty much raised their seven girls alone as her Daddy was always assigned to "hardship tours" overseas.

Sandy's greatest treasures on this earth were her twin daughters delivered May 31, 1967, in Atlanta, Georgia. Tina Marie who is married to Andy Jones and Tammy Lee who is married to Mark Kiger. Her next greatest treasures on this earth were her grandchildren, Tyler Morgan Jones and Eden Grace Kiger.

Sandy is survived by her six sisters, Kay Byrd Hanks of Vero Beach, Florida, Mary Byrd Montgomery of Melbourne, Florida, Elissa Byrd Travis, Debbie Byrd Armour, Kimmie Byrd Williams & Vickie Byrd O'Donohue all of Atlanta, Georgia. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Sandy grew up in Columbia, SC (Ft. Jackson) attending St Peter's Parochial School for eight years, with many of the same classmates, who remained lifelong friends.

She attended Sacred Heart Girls School in Atlanta, GA (Ft. MacPherson) and graduated from Southwest High School, July 1960. She attended University of Georgia & was a Charter member of Delta Zeta. She graduated from Massey Business College, Cum Laude with an Executive Secretary Degree. She graduated from the National Paralegal Institute in Atlanta, GA and began her legal career as Paralegal/Business Manager to Thomas W. Malone, one of Georgia's top Medical Malpractice Plaintiff's Attorneys. Her First & most interesting case was the "Pope Baby Swap Case" in 1990.

She worked as an Executive Secretary with the following companies: Nabisco, Eggo Frozen Foods, a subsidiary of Kellogg's, Paradies Toys and Airport Shops, Pure Packed Frozen Foods, and Hallmark Cards.

She was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church on Daniel Island, S.C. Her strong faith in God was the foundation of her life and the basis for her Prayer Ministry.

She was known to many as their "Personal Prayer Warrior" the past fifteen years of her life.

Family and Friends: Please share your favorite pictures and memories on the tribute wall. As many of you know, Sandy supported St Jude throughout her entire adult life. In honor of her memory, we are including a link for those that would like to donate in leu of flowers. Babies and children always held a special place in her heart and in her life.

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html

May God bless you all!