February 26, 1916 – February 13, 2016

AMERICUS, GA; Louise Nickell Byrd died on February 13, 2016.  For 99 years Louise Byrd lived with determination and distinction, crossing the globe and bringing adventure and joy to those she knew and loved. She had a clear and sharp mind, a sense of humor, and a strong faith in Christ.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, she was the daughter of Clarence Oliver Nickell and Anna Medora Jamison.  She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas where she was trained as a dietician.  While working at Brackenridge Hospital in Austin, Texas, she met Dr. Lee Roy Byrd, Jr. They were married on May 31, 1941.
Louise was preceded in death by her parents, her sibling, her husband of fifty years, and her son Dr. Lee Roy Byrd III.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law and a son and daughter-in -law, Karen Anne and Thomas Schley Gatewood Jr. of Americus, GA, and Kenneth Nickell and Elizabeth Sewell Byrd of Houston, TX; 7 Grandchildren; and 6 Great Grandchildren.  Grandchildren include Anna Sue Gatewood Mendenhall, Thomas Schley Gatewood III, Kenneth Griffin Gatewood, Caroline Sewell Byrd, Stewart Lambertson Byrd, Rachel Leah Byrd, Lt. Col Andrew Freeman Byrd USMC, and step-grandchild James Richard O’Connell. Great-grandchildren include Parker Gatewood Mendenhall, Tye Holder Mendenhall, Eric Nowell Mendenhall, Thomas Schley Gatewood IV, Sarah Kathryn Gatewood, Anna Louise Gatewood, and Andrew Cameron Byrd.
A graveside service will be conducted on Wednesday, February 17th 2016, at 11:00 a.m., at Greenlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Levingston Funeral Home in Groves.
Memorial Contributions can be made to First Baptist Church of Americus, 221 S. Lee Street, Americus, GA 31709; League of the Good Samaritan, Magnolia Manor, 2001 S. Lee Street, Americus, GA, 31709; or a charity of your choice.