Eva Byrd

Eva Mae Byrd, passed away peacefully on April 10,2025, at the age of 84, succumbing to a massive stroke. She was surrounded by her children and grandchildren during her final moments. Eva was born on October 17, 1940 to Joe and Ruby Christian in Madison, Tennessee. She was raised in Cross City, Florida and was a 1958 graduate of Dixie County High School. She retired from the Cross City branch of Bank of America after 17 years of service. She loved trips to the beach, boating and fishing off the gulf coast of Florida and visiting the Smoky Mountains. A week before she passed, she enjoyed a family reunion in the Smoky Mountains that was capped off by a picnic in the rain sitting down by a mountain stream. Eva was the heart and soul of her family. She was a wonderful and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who was always there when we needed her, offering support, wisdom, and love. She cherished every moment spent with her loved ones. She especially loved when she was able to gather with her kids and grandkids. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she made family Christmas extra special with her abundance of presents and fun-filled games. Eva was more than just an aunt to her nieces and nephews, she was a confidante, a mentor and a friend. Eva loved to travel, she found joy in exploring the world, especially on the high seas, and her many cruises are cherished memories for her family and friends While Eva may not have been known for her culinary skills in the kitchen, her true magic could be found in her baking, and her desserts were always a source of joy and comfort. Especially her lemon meringue pies and German chocolate cakes. Full of love, laughter, and resilience, she touched the lives of all who knew her. Her absence leaves a void in our hearts, but we find comfort in knowing that she is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved Gilbert, her mother and father and her siblings. Eva is survived by her four children, Kim (Vicky) Jones of Smiths Station, AL, Gail (Mark) Matthews of Wilmore, KY, Cheryl (Tommy) Estevez of Archer, FL and Debi Huff of Ariton, AL. Stepson Tom (Suzanne) Byrd of Waco, Tx. 9 grandchildren, 14 great - grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Byrd, parents, Joe and Ruby Christian, sister and brother-in-law Wanda and Pete DuBois, and brother Curtis Christian. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, April 18, 2025 at the Rick Gooding Funeral Home Cross City Chapel. Interment will follow at the Cross City Cemetery. Eva’s visitation will be Thursday, April 17, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the funeral home. Arrangements have been placed under the care of Rick Gooding Funeral Home Cross City Chapel, with locations in Cross City 352-498-5400 and Chiefland 352-493-0050. Please sign the online guest book at rickgoodingfuneralhomes.com

Eva Byrd

October 17, 1940 - April 10, 2025