Sydney W. Byrd, 8, Lewiston

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Sydney Willow Byrd was a gift from God. Her very presence on this Earth left a legacy of love, joy and laughter to all she came in contact with. She was a spiritual star that will continue to shine in the lives of everyone she met. Although her life was short in years, her memory and essence is eternal.

Sydney was born in Colfax on June 24, 1999, to Michael and Sherry Byrd. She was a student at Webster Elementary School in Lewiston and her teachers recently chose Sydney for "Student of the Week."

Sydney loved being a part of her Sunday school class at the Community of Christ Church, where she was a member. She enjoyed being a member of Girl Power at her elementary school. Sydney loved the family camping trips and especially catching small fish in the creeks with her brothers, sisters and cousins. Sydney enjoyed gardening and often picked flowers for her mom. Her hobbies were collecting rocks, planting seeds, cooking, singing and artwork. Sydney had an affinity for animals, and her gentleness was evident in the way they loved her back. The talents God gave her were freely shared, and often given to people she met for the first time.

Sydney loved her brothers and sisters: Benjamin, Morgan, Tristin and Mikenzie Byrd and Dean Lupinacci. Sydney is survived by her grandparents, Carrol Shirley, Don Shirley, Gene and Tammy Byrd, Bill and Loretta Allen; and aunts, Maria Byrd and Anna Shirley. She is also survived by her uncle, Robert and Erica Byrd and cousins Christian, Paige, Kyanna, Trevor, Cassie, Kelsey and Jed. She was preceded in death by great-grandmothers, Anna Richardson, Arletta Woodbridge, Mary Byrd and Hazel Shirley, with whom we know she is now with. Sydney had many other friends and family members who will miss her.

"Sissy, Mommy and Daddy love you and we will see you in heaven."

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home in Lewiston. A dinner will follow at the Community of Christ Church, 1315 Highland Ave., Clarkston.

A memorial fund to cover family costs has been set up through the Community of Christ Church. Memorials can be sent to: Sydney Willow Byrd Memorial Fund, c/o Community of Christ, 1309 Powers, Lewiston, Idaho 83501.

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Guest wrote on 5/8/2008 8:38 am:

Whatever the cause of death, she was much too young!

Replies to Guest's comment:
- Because wrote: on 5/8/2008 8:48 am:
  
  See article "Girl injured in hit-and-run dies." The jerk does not even deserve to rot in jail. Get rid of him now.
- RN wrote: on 5/8/2008 8:51 am:
  
  I agree!!
- GrandmaG wrote: on 5/8/2008 9:03 pm:
  
  This really isn't the place to be commenting on this. This comment should be on the original story. This page is to grieve with the family and to share your condolences.
Reply to Guest's comment.
RN wrote on 5/8/2008 8:50 am:

"TO ALL PARENTS', by Edgar Guest

I'll lend you for a little while a child of mine," He said. "For you to love the while she lives and mourn for when she's dead. It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three, But will you, till I call her back, take care of her for me?

She'll bring her charms to gladden you, and should her stay be brief, You'll have her lovely memories as solace for your grief." "I cannot promise she will stay; since all from earth return, But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn. I've looked the wide world over in My search for teachers true and from the throngs that crowd life's lanes I have chosen you.

Now will you give her all your love nor, think the labor vain, Nor hate me when I come to call to take her back again?" "I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done!" For all the joy thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run. We'll shelter her with tenderness and we'll love her while we may, And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay;

But should the Angles call for her much sooner than we've planned, We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand!"

May God Bless you and keep you!

Reply to RN's comment.
Vonda Carlin wrote on 5/8/2008 12:36 pm:

Sherry and Family, I know how hard this parting is for you but I also know that God has a plan and some good will come from this devestation. Although we say we know what you are going through no one knows unless they have suffered the same kind of loss, some of us have, and we feel your sorrow but we know all to well that life goes on and you have more children to help on this road of life and I know that you will do your very best for them. You are all in our thoughts prayers and I know that Jesus will give you whatever strength you will need. We love you and are praying for you.

Reply to Vonda Carlin's comment.
Charles & Sharon Miller wrote on 5/8/2008 3:51 pm:

I will never forget how she would call my mother and myself, the grandma grandma's She was such a blessing, You are all in our prayers, and our thoughts. Love you Sharon Chic and Grace

Reply to Charles & Sharon Miller's comment.
Natasha wrote on 5/8/2008 8:21 pm:

Godbless her.
I will pray for her and the family. I would never be able to put in to words they way i fill about the death of a child. It hurts i pray for the family. i give you my heart.

Sorry for ur lost.

Shes in a great place =]

Reply to Natasha 's comment.
Shannon Smith Rhodes wrote on 5/8/2008 8:46 pm:

Sherry and family,
I am so sorry. I will pray for you and keep you in my heart. I miss you Sherry. Thoughts of our friendship always bring a smile to my face. I am so sorry for what you are going through. Love Shannon

Reply to Shannon Smith Rhodes's comment.
Our famly wrote on 5/9/2008 8:38 am:

May the angels lead her to Heaven. Although we don't know her, our family will keep your family in our thoughts through this hard time.

Reply to Our famly's comment.
The Bedwells wrote on 5/9/2008 8:13 pm:

Our hearts go out to the family. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers. My the good Lord comfort you in you time of sorrow.

Reply to The Bedwells's comment.