Oretha "Honey" Byrd

Oretha “Honey” Byrd, age 82, peacefully entered into rest surrounded by her loved ones on March 26, 2026. Oretha dedicated her life to Jehovah on April 3rd,1965, along with her loving husband “Byrd”. She began an outstanding career at Olathe Medical (Olathe, Kansas) in 1981, where she served as a nutrition specialist until the early 2000s. After retiring, she and her beloved husband, Thomas, returned home to Vidalia, Georgia. Oretha “Honey” believed with everything in her the hope of a paradise under Christ Jesus’ rule. She looked forward to it bringing lasting benefits to this earth. Oretha “Honey” (Stone) Byrd was born on May 12, 1943, to the late Odessa (Stone) Hamilton, Willie Stone, and Lonnie Hamilton Sr.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Thomas J. Byrd Sr.; two brothers, Tarlene Stone and Alvin Hamilton; and two sisters, Jonnie Ruth Jackson and Anniewill Manier.

Oretha was raised in Vidalia, where she attended J.D. Dickerson School. She met the love of her life, Thomas J. Byrd Sr. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised four children. Their journey took them from New Jersey to California, where they formed lifelong friendships while raising their family. After their children graduated from high school, they settled in Kansas before eventually returning to Vidalia, Georgia, to enjoy their retirement. Oretha was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished sister, cousin, and dear friend. Her warmth, kindness, and welcoming spirit touched countless lives.

She leaves to cherish her memory her four children, Vickie Jones of Vidalia, Thomas Byrd Jr. and wife Dana of Vidalia, Michael Byrd (LaRita) of Kansas, and John Woodard of Vidalia; sisters, Bessie Belvin of New Jersey; Alma Jean Tanner of Mount Vernon, Robin Mitchell of Lyons, Marylin Johnson of Vidalia, Linda Hamilton of Lyons, and Josephine Hannah of Vidalia; cousin Betty Hudson of Vidalia; special nieces, Belinda Byrd, Denise Rock Michelle and Tammie Reese; brothers, James Willie Stone Jr. and Lonnie “Sug” Hamilton Jr.; her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Kevin Jones, April Huggins (Josh), Lorenzo Byrd, Issac Byrd, Aushia Byrd, Olivia Byrd, Christopher Byrd, Marcus Byrd, Jacob Friend, Scarlett Cain, Daral Cain (Amanda) and Jayleane Scott, along with 21 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday morning, April 4, 2026, at 11:00 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2000 McIntosh St., Vidalia, GA 30474.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.

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