BIRMINGHAM…Essie V. McLeod Byrd, a resident of Birmingham (formerly of Ozark), passed away late Monday evening, May 4, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. She was 83.
Homegoing services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, May 16, 2026, St. Paul AME Church with Reverend Gregory Keith McLeod officiating. Burial will follow in Asbury Cemetery near Skipperville, Alabama. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:00 P.M. Saturday at the church.
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be; so he put his arms around you and whispered, “Come with me.”
With heartfelt gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we celebrate the legacy of Essie Viola McLeod Byrd affectionately known as “Nanny” who was surrounded by love as she peacefully transitioned from her earthly life on the evening of May 4,2026.
Essie was born on April 26, 1943, in Ozark, Alabama, to the late John Oliver and Essie Mae McLeod. She was educated in Dale County and attended DA Smith High School. Essie confessed Christ at an early age and joined St Paul AME Church. She was a devoted member and served the church in several capacities, including the ladies aid, church usher, and food committee.
Essie will be remembered for her free spirit, love of fishing, touching the hearts of many, her kindness, and love of family and friends. We will all miss her tasteful cooking and her making sure nobody went home hungry from her cookouts.
She was proceeded in death by; her parents, John Oliver and Essie Mae McLeod, four brothers; Willie D. McLeod, Johnny Mack MeLeod, Bobby Lee McLeod, and Floyd McLeod. Five sisters; Winona Harris, Minnie Lee Johnson, Ola Mae Johnson, Margart Sue Wilson, and Annie D. Edwards.
She leaves to cherish her memory; daughter, Eleanor Martinez; son, Luther D. Byrd, grandchildren; Shamika Byrd, Reginald Byrd, Nakeia Martinez, Latonya Byrd, Renata Martinez, and Katrice Snell, great grandchildren; Janisha Williams, Ketavion Ike, Daetrion Byrd, Kaylyn Pitts, Salaysis Johnson, and Truth Johnson; two sister-in laws; Mrs. Edna Meral Byrd of Atlanta, and Mrs. Lee McLeod; special cousin and best friend, Bonnie Dyck; special nephew/2nd son, Darren Wilson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
