Eda Loreene Byrd

Eda Loreene Byrd, age 76, passed away on March 26, 2026. She was born April 6, 1949, in Portsmouth, Ohio, to the late Henry Skaggs and Wilodene Moore, and was the firstborn of eleven children.

Eda was raised in Portsmouth where she received her early education and graduated from high school. She later moved to Marion, Ohio, where she continued her education and earned her associate’s degree from Marion Technical College. She went on to marry the love of her life, Jack Byrd Sr., and together they built a beautiful family. He preceded her in death.

Eda dedicated her life to her home and family as a proud homemaker. She took great pride in keeping a well-maintained and orderly home, carrying a strong sense of discipline and structure that her family often lovingly described as “militant.” She was a woman who believed in doing things properly and keeping life in order.

A lifelong Baptist, Eda held a deep and unwavering Christian faith that guided her throughout her life. She also had a strong appreciation for herbal and natural approaches to health and healing.

Eda had a true love for beauty and “pretty” things. She attended several floral schools and developed a remarkable talent for creating floral arrangements. Among her favorite flowers were roses, carnations, and tulips. She also enjoyed collecting special items such as jewelry, purses, and hats. Above all, she loved shopping—especially online—and took great joy in finding just the right treasures.

Her children fondly remember her for her “unordinary way of fixing problems,” a trait that brought both solutions and smiles, leaving lasting and cherished memories.

Above everything, Eda took exceptional pride in being the matriarch of her family. She deeply loved and adored her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom were the center of her world.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Charles (Rebecca) Cole; six brothers; and one sister.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Jack E. (Cherie) Byrd Jr.; her daughter, Lalita S. (Markus Bovillion) Cole; her significant other, Paul Turner; her brothers, Pat Skaggs and Roy Skaggs; her sister, Sue Herman; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren, twins Alyce Mayse and Adam Mayse, along with a host of extended family and friends.

Services will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Boyd Funeral Home, with visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The family kindly asks that any inquiries regarding funeral and graveside services be directed to the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in Eda’s honor.

The Boyd Funeral Home appreciates the family's trust in the care of their loved one at such a difficult time, and are honored to serve them.

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