Ms. Betty Sue Parsley Byrd

Betty Sue Parsley Byrd, 77, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026, at the Manila Nursing Center. Born on January 10, 1949, in Manila, Arkansas, Betty was the fourth of six children of R.C. Parsley Sr. and Louise (Moore) Parsley. As a young girl, her family moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, where she attended school. Later in life, Betty returned to Manila to be closer to the family she loved so dearly. Betty was a true survivor. As a child, she courageously battled polio, a disease that forever affected her physically but never took away her determination, her sense of humor, or her love for life. She refused to let it define who she was, choosing instead to focus on the people she loved and the life she was blessed to live. She had a deep love for family history and proudly became the family’s historian. If there was a family mystery to solve or another branch of the family tree to uncover, Betty was the one everyone turned to. She spent countless hours researching her family’s roots, preserving photographs, stories, and memories so future generations would always know where they came from. Betty also found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved watching movies, and Dirty Dancing was always her favorite. With a smile, she would often tell everyone that when she got to Heaven she was going to show Patrick Swayze how to really dance all over Heaven. Because polio never allowed her to run, she would also say that one day she was going to run through the streets of gold. Today, her family finds comfort in believing she is finally doing both. Anyone who knew Betty knew her kitchen was filled with love. Her mother taught her how to cook, and Betty could make just about anything. Her homemade peanut butter cookies became a favorite of family and friends alike. More than anything, she loved having everyone gathered around the table for a home-cooked meal, sharing stories, laughter, and simply enjoying one another’s company. Family was Betty’s greatest blessing and the center of her world. She dearly loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and every moment spent with them was a treasure. In July 2025, Betty’s beloved daughter, Crystal Byrd Mays, passed away. Just a few short months later, in November, she lost her beloved son, Chris Byrd. Betty entered eternity only days after the one-year anniversary of Crystal’s passing. Losing both of her children within such a short time was more heartache than any mother should ever have to endure. Those who loved Betty watched as grief settled deeply into her heart. She missed her children every single day, and although she continued to love those around her, life was never quite the same. Even during the final chapter of her life, Betty continued thinking of others. Knowing her time was drawing near, she quietly gave away many of her treasured belongings to family and friends, wanting them to have something special to remember her by. It was one final gift from a woman whose heart was always centered on the people she loved. Those who knew Betty will remember her as a sweet, kind-hearted woman whose quiet strength, gentle spirit, and unconditional love left an impression that will never be forgotten. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Crystal Byrd Mays; her beloved son, Chris Byrd; her late husband, Larry Byrd; her parents, R.C. Parsley Sr. and Louise (Moore) Parsley; and her siblings, Randal Parsley, Nancy Modesitt, Carl Parsley, and Rosemary Hill. Left to cherish her memory are her grandchildren, Tommy Byrd and wife, Brooke, of Lepanto, Arkansas; Sadie Blackmon and husband, Hagen, of Manila, Arkansas; her great-grandchildren, Teagan, Allison, and Raygan, her youngest great-grandchild, whom she never had the opportunity to meet but already loved; her brother, John Parsley; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure the memories she leaves behind. We can only imagine the joy of that heavenly reunion as Betty is finally free from pain, dancing all over Heaven with Patrick Swayze, and running through the streets of gold just as she always promised she would. A private family memorial will be held at a later date so therefore Expressions of sympathy should be shared directly with the family. Tri-City Crematory Funeral Home of Manila, Arkansas, is honored and privileged to serve the Byrd and Parsley families. Online condolences may be shared at www.tri-cityllc.com.

Ms. Betty Sue Parsley Byrd

January 10, 1949 - July 19, 2026