Ramona Brunson Byrd, 68, of Dothan, Alabama, was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, January 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 28, 1956, to the late Sybil and Graymon Brunson of Enterprise, Alabama, Ramona lived a life filled with faith, love, laughter, and an unwavering dedication to serving others.
Ramona was a woman of many gifts. Her kindness and compassion radiated through everything she did, leaving a legacy of love and encouragement that will continue to inspire those blessed to know her. She had a heart for helping others, which was most evident when she and her husband, Lloyd, opened a daycare in 1998. Together, they built a nurturing and faith-filled environment where every child who walked through the doors felt safe and loved. Ramona’s team of caregivers became like family, and her ability to share the love of Christ with children and their families made an indelible impact on her community.
Family was Ramona’s greatest joy. She poured her heart into creating meaningful moments with her loved ones, whether gathering in the kitchen to cook one of her delicious meals, sharing stories around the dinner table, or laughing until tears rolled down her cheeks. Her humor and smile were infectious, and her warmth made everyone feel at home.
The beach was Ramona’s happy place, and she cherished her time there, soaking in the wonder of God’s creation. She never missed an opportunity to watch the sunset, marveling at the beauty of the colors painted across the sky and always giving thanks to her Creator for such a gift. After selling their beach property, Ramona and Lloyd began their next adventure—a dream farm in Kinsey. They built a beautiful home together, creating a haven where they spent their retirement caring for their cattle, nursing calves and injured animals, and enjoying quiet evenings on their front porch, basking in the view they had built with love and hard work.
Ramona also had a remarkable professional career. She spent 34 years with Time Warner Cable, including 25 years as General Manager. Her work ethic, leadership, and integrity left a lasting impression on her colleagues and employees. She retired in 2017, but her influence and example continued long after leaving the office.
Ramona’s strength and grace shone brightest during her courageous four-year battle with breast cancer. Even in the face of immense challenges, she remained steadfast in her faith, leaning on God’s promises and finding joy in every day. Her laughter, her unwavering faith, and her selflessness will forever be etched in the hearts of those who loved her.
Ramona was preceded in death by her parents, Sybil and Graymon Brunson; sisters, Diana Haire and Sandra Manning; brother-in-law, Searcy Manning; grandson, Ethan Byrd; and nephew, Adam Manning.
Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 41 years, Lloyd Byrd; her children, Bran Byrd (Kristie), Ashley Schaule, Caitlin Byrd, and Jessi Lauren Byrd; her grandchildren, Logan Spann, Addysan Schaule, AnaLea Byrd, and Aiden Byrd; her great-granddaughter, Layla Spann; her sister, Carole Rainwater (Ken); her sisters-in-law, Tanya Stephens and J. Yveta Phillips; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who loved her dearly.
Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Ward-Wilson Funeral Home, with a celebration of her life to follow at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to honor Ramona’s journey and to support others in the fight against cancer.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Southern Care Hospice Services, especially Melissa, for the compassionate care and support provided to Ramona and her loved ones during her final days.
Ramona’s legacy is one of faith, family, love, and joy. She touched countless lives with her kind heart, her servant spirit, and her contagious laughter. While her earthly journey has come to an end, the memories she created will remain alive in the hearts of all who knew her. As we say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing she is now at peace, watching sunsets in the arms of her Savior.
