October 9, 2024, 75, Calypso —

Mrs. Donnie Jackson Harrell Byrd, 75, passed away early Wednesday morning, October 9, 2024, while being cared for at Wilson Medical Center in Wilson.

Mrs. Byrd was a native of Calypso, and while life took her to other places, it was to Calypso that she returned to live the remainder of her days.  She was a former co-owner of the Mount Olive Tire Service for which she served as accountant/bookkeeper.  She had also done accounting work for Jimmy Finkley while she resided in South Carolina.

A collector of fine china, she was an expert at setting a pretty table, and she always had an eye for dragonflies.

Surviving family includes her two daughters, Robin Harrell Reynolds and husband, Russ Reynolds, of Calypso, and Amanda Suzanne Harrell and wife, Carol Schwerin, of Charleston, SC; a granddaughter, Chesney Brown of Wilson; a sister and two brothers-in-law, Martha Jackson Davis and Roger Davis of Calypso, and Jimmy Outlaw of Dudley; her best friend who was like another sister, Judy Williams of Mount Olive; nieces and nephews and spouses, Brent and Libbi Davis, John and Angie Davis, Tammy and Keith Hayes, Gray and Shonda Outlaw; many great-nieces and great-nephews; along with two special cousins, Bobby Lambert and wife, Vickie, and Jerry Jackson.  She also dearly loved her furry “grandchildren.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon B. and Mary Grace Lambert Jackson; a sister, Virginia Jackson Outlaw; and dear friends, Benny Rhodes and Dianne Lewis.

Funeral services will be on Monday, October 14, at 11;00 a.m. by the graveside at Wayne Memorial Park.  Officiating will be Pastor Russ Evans.  Following the service, the family will remain briefly to receive friends. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts be made to Maggie Society, 606 West Trinity Drive, Wilson, NC 27893 (an animal rescue–Donnie was an avid animal advocate and lover.)