Margaret Reitzell Byrd

Margaret Reitzell Byrd, 88, of Columbia, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, October 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. 

Margaret was born on May 24, 1938, at her childhood home in Clarks, Louisiana. She married at 17 and became a devoted wife and mother to three sons. While raising her family, she continued her education at Northeast Louisiana University, earning an undergraduate degree and completing a master's degree plus 30 additional graduate hours in elementary education. During more than 25 years as an educator, she positively influenced the lives of countless children. 

She cherished her family and treasured the time she spent with them. She lived in service to others, leaving an example of a life well lived. Her passions included family, music, painting, and cooking; above all, she was a devoted disciple and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and a faithful member of Old Bethel Baptist Church. 

She is survived by her three sons, Stan and his wife, Natalie; Johnny and his wife, Caroline; and James; her brother, John Everet Reitzell, and his wife, June; her sistersin-law, Joyce L. Lindsey, Laura Faye Bellows, Carol A. Walker, and Jeanette M. Byrd; and her grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by William Henry Byrd, her beloved husband of 68 years; her parents, John Ewing and Bernice Reitzell; her brother, James McKeithen; her sister, Lillian Marie LeBlanc; and her brothers-in-law, Junior Lindsey, Wayne M. Bellows, Mickey Walker, and James V Byrd. 

A celebration of life will be held at noon on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Old Bethel Baptist Church, with Dr. Scott Byrd officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until noon before the service. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Old Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery, 1469 Highway 547, Grayson, Louisiana 71435. 

Serving as pallbearers will be Tracy Pauley, Terry Pauley, Jimmy Busby, John Foy, Kevin Thompson, Jim Wallace, and Roger Ballard.  Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Elbert Pauly, Russell Price, Bill Taylor, Shelby Cruse, and Mickey Ellis.