BIOGRAPHY

Isadora Byrd was born in Timmonsville, South Carolina, USA, on 22 August 1908, to parents Simon Perkins and Lanie Lyde. She had five siblings: Charlie Perkins, John Perkins, Walter Perkins, Samuel Perkins, and Ruth Jackson. She was baptized at an early age at Chaney Grove Baptist Church in Timmonsville and also attended Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, also in Timmonsville. A devoted member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Timmonsville, she sang in the choir, served as a Missionary, and was part of the Mothers’ Board. She worked on the family farm for several years before becoming a homemaker.

At the age of 15, she married Valentine Byrd, and their union lasted until his passing in 1989. Together, they had four children, including her sons Sammie Lee, Willis, and Wallace, who preceded her in death. They also had a daughter, Catherine Freeman.

Isadora Byrd passed away at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, South Carolina, on 24 January 2020, at the age of 111 years, 155 days.

RECOGNITION

On 16 October 2018, following the passing of 112-year-old Helen White, she became the oldest (known) living person in the U.S. state of South Carolina, at the age of 110 years, 55 days. She held the title until her own passing in January 2020, when she was succeeded by Maria Aulenbacher.

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Timmonsville woman turns 109 years old” – WPDE, 23 August 2017

* “110 and counting: Timmonsville woman lives to see sixth generation of her family” – SC Now, 22 August 2018

* Obituary for Mrs. Isadora Perkins Byrd – Bacote-Eaddy Funeral Home

GALLERY