Willena Byrd

Willena Mays Byrd, 81, of Ooltewah, passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2016, after a long illness. She was a lifelong resident of Apison and Ooltewah, and was a member of Ooltewah Baptist Church, where she had served as the church organist for over 50 years. She was retired principal from the Hamilton County School System. Mrs. Byrd was preceded in death by her husband, Walter "Buddy" Byrd; parents, Bruce and Grady Longley Mays; and brother, Thomas Atwood Mays. Willena was loved by her family, co-workers, church and friends. Hers was a life well-lived. She is survived by her daughter, Alison Byrd Morgan, of McDonald, Tenn.; niece, Marilyn Mays Novak, of Cummings, Ga.. Services will be held today, at 3 p.m. in the chapel, with Rev. Chris Gaither officiating. Burial will follow at Ooltewah Cemetery. Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort to the family and view the memorial tribute. The family will receive friends today, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.