Mary Etta Wood Byrd Brown, age 76, of Warsaw died Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at Glen Care of Warsaw.

She was born June 16, 1935 in Duplin County; the daughter of the late Aletha Elijah and Ida Cox Wood. She was predeceased by her husband, A.C. Byrd; son, Ray Byrd and brother, Buddy Wood.

Surviving are her husband, Charles Brown of Wallace; her children, J.D. Byrd (Renae) of Rose Hill, Doris King (Edward) of Magnolia, Jimmy Byrd , Kirby Byrd (Tina) and Acie L. Byrd, all of Chinquapin, Betty Howard (Ricky) of Ashville and Janet Jones (Anthony) of Beulaville; 12 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; sisters, Margaret King of Beulaville, Libby Mobley (Lee) of Richlands and Magalene Yopp (Robin) of Jacksonviile; brother, Dicky Wood (Sue) of Jacksonville and daughter-in-law, Emma Sue Byrd of Chinquapin.

Mary was a devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother and sister. She found great joy in the simplest of things, but her greatest joy was family. She was a diligent homemaker and a great cook. With a joyful spirit she filled her home with love and welcomed all who entered as long as her health permitted. Being a good neighbor and friend she was loved by all who knew her. Mary will surely be missed but cherished memories of her will forever remain in our hearts.

Funeral service will be 2:00 pm Friday, October 7, 2011 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with Pastor Billy Toler and Pastor David Lewis officiating.

Burial will follow in Wood Cemetery in Chinquapin.

Casketbearers will be Daniel Byrd, Jeremy Byrd, Edward King, Jr., Ricky Howard, Jr., Richard Cashwell, Phillip Howard and Kirby Byrd.

Honorary casketbearers will be The Way Riders of Wallace.

The family will receive friends 1:00 to 2:00 pm Friday, one hour prior the funeral service and other times at the home of Edward and Doris King in Magnolia.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial gifts be made to America Cancer Society, 930-B Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC 27834 or to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Memory Wall."