Dr. Dorothelia Y. Byrd was born in Jackson, Mississippi on October 17, 1961 to the late Glen and Mary Walker. She made her transition to the Lord on Wednesday
afternoon, March 6, 2019 after a long illness. After graduating from high school, Dr. Byrd enlisted and served 22 1/2 years in the U.S. Army; where she traveled overseas to include Korea, Hawaii, Panama and other various assignments within the Continental U.S.
She met her husband, Pastor Johnny Byrd at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. They married on September 8, 1990 in Alexandria, VA and would have celebrated their 29th anniversary on September 8, 2019.
Dr. Byrd was inspired to further her education by pursuing her Bachelors in Criminal Law and her Masters and Doctorate in Spiritual Counseling.
She served 16 years at Upper Room Covenant Church in Alexandria, VA as 1st Lady. As a Preacher and Teacher, Dr. Byrd also had a passion for the Outreach; which included hosting “Clothes Give-away” events; “Feeding the Families in Crisis” and donating food to an Alternative School in Fairfax County. With her beautiful smile, her compassion always compelled her to place others needs before her own; which made a lasting impression on everyone she met. “Dee”, as she was so affectionately called, always remembered God’s Word to serve all with a willing heart. (Lord, we thank you for your Gift of Love!)
Dr. Byrd was preceded by her grandmother, Georgia Johnson; three brothers (Charles Walker, Willie Owens and Glen Walker, Jr.); three sisters (Betty Russell, Deborah Sawyer, Wanda O’Quinn); and one niece, Shorna West.
She is survived by husband, Pastor Johnny J. Byrd of Woodbridge, VA; two daughters- Kia K. Diaz of Landover, MD and Milagros Maria Diaz of Alexandria, VA; one grandson- Martis Alexander-Diaz; three granddaughters-Makia K. Diaz-Alexander, Maite Todd and Kristan Yumika Diaz. One brother-Tommy Lee Jackson of Jackson, MS; four sisters-Patricia Atkins (David) of Alexandria, VA; Lolethia Walker of Jackson, MS; Angelina Bennett of Arlington, TX; Donna Stubb of Jackson, MS; one aunt and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends Friday, March 22, 2019 from 6-8 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home, 3200 Golansky Blvd., Woodbridge, VA 22192. Services will be held Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Miller Funeral Home at 10 a.m. with interment to follow at Mt. Comfort Cemetery.
