Sandra Lee Byrd, 81 of Laurel, MS passed away Friday, June 17, 2022 at the Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula, MS. She was born Wednesday, November 6, 1940 in Laurel, Mississippi.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Edward Byrd; father, Jimmy Touchstone; mother, Minnie Lee Flynt; son, Larry Shafer; Sister-in-law Brenda Jaynes, Sister-in-law, Bettye Byrd and two brothers Jim "Little Jim" Touchstone and Tommy Touchstone. She was also preceded by two brother-in-laws John and Jerry Byrd.

Survivors include her brother, George Jaynes; sister, Taunya Macht; Sisters-in-law, Carolyn Byrd, Lynn Byrd, Virginia James; Daughter-in-law, Daphne Shafer McCreary; Grandaughter, Khloe Shafer and numerous neices and nephews.

Mrs. Byrd was a life long diabetic and fierce advocate and teacher for those with diabeties. She was always willing to advise both newly diagnosed and those with pre exixting diabetes in any way she could. She was an active member of Bethlehem Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School for many years. She loved guiding children to Christ through various programs such as AWANA and VBS. Everything she did in life, she did with a teaching spirit. She and her husband loved camping and traveling. She loved reading, especially Christian based novels and the Bible. She always made sure that anyone she knew received a card or note on any important occasions. In previous years, Mrs. Byrd and her husband loved motorcycle riding,operating CB style radios, attending Gospel music events and were not above racing each other home if in separate vehicles. Although short in stature, she was mighty in spirit and will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2022 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Laurel. Funeral services will follow at 11;00. Burial will be at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Due to heat, all services will be held in sanctury, with no graveside service. Bro. Cary Kimbrell will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements and may be contacted at 601-649-3342.

Pallbearers will be: D.L. Gieger,Jamey Kelley, Jason Loper, Scott Arrington, Byron Byrd and Bradley Byrd.
In lieu of flowers please send donations in her name to American Diabetes Association.

Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Langley and John Gerlach.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com