Elizabeth Ann (Beth) Byrd, age 77, born October 11, 1945, died December 12,

2022, at Aiken Regional Hospital.

She was the daughter of the late Dr. John F. Byrd and Ann Jones Byrd.

Originally, attended Edgefield High School and later attended Strom Thurmond

High School, where she graduated in 1963. She was involved in school activities,

including being a part of the basketball team, as well as cheerleading. In 1967,

she received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College.

Beth had an illustrious career beginning in 1967 as an Intelligence Research

Analyst with the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, DC. In 1969, she

became an Executive Assistant at Georgetown Steel Corporation, German

Division,Dusseldorf, and Hamburg, Germany. After moving back home, she

worked as the Executive and Administrative Assistant to Congressman James

Mann of S.C., and in 1978, she was with the Office of Congressional Liaison for the

Carter Administration in the White House. In 1981, she became Executive

Assistant and office manager for Congressman Wayne Dowdy of Mississippi. In

1989, she worked as an executive assistant to Senator David L. Boren of

Oklahoma. In ending her career, she became District office manager for Senator

Strom Thurmond in Charleston, SC. During her earlier career travels, Beth took

time to work in Hawaii as a travel agent, in Lake Tahoe as a blackjack dealer, and in

the security division at Rich's Department Store in Atlanta.

Beth moved back home to Edgefield, after retirement, where she became actively

involved in her church, The Episcopal Church of the Ridge. She also took an active

role in animal rescue becoming a member and officer for All God's Creatures, as

well as being active in civic and community projects until failing health kept her

confined to home life.

She loved spending time with her family and friends, and appreciated all of the

love and support she received throughout these years. She also enjoyed all

sports, especially Clemson football and horseback riding as a young girl.

She is survived by one brother, John F. Byrd, Jr., and his wife Ann, five nieces and

one nephew, Ann Smith Shore, Sara S. Fakoury, Frances S. Griggs, Ashley A. Byrd,

Elizabeth B. Simmons, and John H. Byrd, and several great nieces and nephews. In

addition to her parents, she was predeceased by an older sister, Frances Byrd

Smith.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Ridge,

Trenton, SC, ASPCA, or the charity of one's choice,

Edgefield Mercantile Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, to whom

persons may sign the guest book and send condolences.

Please share a memory or photo at www.edgefieldmercantilefh.com