Lou

Quinby Byrd

Lou Quinby Byrd, 93, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and treasured friend, passed away on November 6, 2026, surrounded by her children. A woman of steadfast faith, quick wit, and enduring devotion to her family and community, Lou lived a full and purposeful life.

Lou was born on September 24, 1933, in Chillicothe, Texas, to J. Roy and Mattie Lou Meharg Quinby. Her family’s roots in Hardeman County ran deep. Her maternal grandparents, Ed and Lily Moore Meharg, established the family farm in 1907, and her father earned international recognition for his agricultural research at the Texas Experiment Station in Chillicothe.

An enthusiastic participant in school life, Lou played volleyball, served as drum major and football queen, and edited the Chillicothe High School annual. Following graduation, she worked for State Senator George Moffett before attending Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas.

On July 26, 1952, she married the love of her life, Theodore Jerome “Jerry” Byrd of Vernon. When Jerry was called to serve in Korea, Lou returned to Vernon and worked for West Texas Utilities. During their more than 50 years of marriage, they raised three children, Janice, Luann, and David. Lou later worked as a secretary at Hawkins and Shive Schools, retiring in March 1995.

Lou’s Presbyterian faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Vernon, she sat in the same pew for decades, a fitting reflection of her steadfast nature. She served as an elder, chaired numerous committees, held leadership roles in Presbyterian Women, and served for ten years on the Committee on Ministry of Palo Duro Presbytery. Her faith was evident not only in her devotion to the church, but in the way she cared for others.

Lou had a gift for showing up. She devoted more than fifty years to Camp Fire Girls, served as a director of the Red River Valley Museum and president of its Museum Guild, and spent twenty years on the Carnegie City Library board. She also supported the United Way, Parent-Teacher Association, and Hill Crest Country Club. She believed in contributing to the community she loved, and she did so faithfully and without fanfare.

To her family, she was affectionately known as MamaLu — witty, practical, stylish, caring, and particular. She was never one to make a fuss, nor did she particularly enjoy being fussed over. Her modest Vernon home was the setting for countless family gatherings, where she always set a beautiful table and somehow found room for her ever-growing family. She had an eye for beautiful things and loved collecting antiques and charming little treasures, each finding its place among the carefully chosen pieces in her home. Lou treasured her many friendships, which spanned generations. She was a creature of habit whose daily routines were so predictable you could set your watch by them. Whether working the newspaper crossword puzzle, attending an exercise class, tending to one of her many community commitments, or walking across the street for afternoon coffee, she had a schedule and she stuck to it!

Following Jerry’s death in 2003, Lou continued on with strength and determination — maintaining her friendships, her routines, and her devotion to her church and community. She was resilient and self-reliant, never one to dwell on life’s difficulties or ask for more attention than she needed. She continued to live a full and meaningful life, remaining an active and loving presence through the milestones and celebrations of her grandchildren and, eventually, her great-grandchildren.

Much of the family history included here comes from an account Lou herself prepared when she was honored as the 2023 Doan’s Picnic Person of the Year, part of a 143-year tradition in Wilbarger County. Her family is especially grateful that, in true Lou fashion, she made sure the names, dates, and details were recorded correctly. It seems only fitting that she should have a hand in telling her own story.

Lou leaves behind a family grateful for her example, a community enriched by her service, and cherished memories that will continue for generations to come.

Lou was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Theodore Jerome “Jerry” Byrd; her parents, J. Roy and Mattie Lou Quinby; her brother, John Roy Quinby; her sons-in-law, Kip White and Paul Chiarello; and her daughter-in-law, Debbie Yeager Byrd.

She is survived by her sister, Jane Quinby Simmons of The Woodlands, Texas; her three children, Janice Byrd of Weatherford, Texas, Luann Byrd White of Denver, Colorado, and David Byrd of Midland, Texas; her grandchildren, Jordan White (Elisabeth), Aubrey White (Zachary), Helen Byrd Sledge (Sam), and Mary Elizabeth Byrd Holland (Matthew); and her beloved great-grandchildren, Silas and John David Sledge, Kole and Jaxon White, and Jack, Byrdie, and Margaret Holland. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Lou’s devoted caregivers, including Julie, Norma, Cookie, Terri and Sandra, as well as the Visiting Angels team from Wichita Falls, for the kindness, compassion, and loving care they provided.

A 10:00 a.m. burial at Eastview Cemetery will precede a memorial service celebrating Lou’s life on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Vernon, Texas. A reception will follow in the church’s fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Red River Valley Museum, Carnegie City Library, or First Presbyterian Church, all in Vernon, Texas.