Virginia Beth "Jenny" Byram

Virginia (Jenny) Beth Byram, age 88, passed away on Monday, February 20, 2012. A long time resident of Hueytown, Al, she was born in Porterville, Mississippi in 1924, the second of nine children, to the late Albert Evan and Sarah Elizabeth Cherry. A 1942 graduate of Porterville School, she was one of a class of 12 that was referred to by their teacher as a dozen "Roses". After graduation, Virginia was employed in Mobile and Pensacola prior to her marriage in 1945 to the late Leonard Byram, an Army medic whom she met in Pensacola upon his return from the European Theatre at the end of WWII. She is also preceded in death by brothers, Earl, James, Arnold, Raymond and Fred Cherry; and sister, Faye Cherry McDonald. Virginia was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Bessemer for many years. Widowed at the age of 39, she dedicated herself to raising her four children. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who delighted in their accomplishments. A quiet and unassuming woman, Virginia enjoyed the company of others and was a friend to many people from all walks of life. She will be remembered for her stories of growing up in rural Mississippi and reminiscing about events and people in her life; her sweet smile, and caring personality. Virginia is survived by brother Lawrence Cherry (Sue) of Meridian, MS; sister Helen Jones of Buies Creek, NC; her sons Jim Byram (Merdith) of McCalla, Bob Byram (Judy) of Pelham, Bill Byram (Rita) of Pinson; daughter Pam Nichols (John) of North Shelby County; grandsons Zack Nichols and Will Byram; granddaughters, Daye Byram, Candace Davis, Brooke West, Allison Tolle, and Leah Tyus; four great-granddaughters and four great-grandsons; beloved step granddaughters, Shelly Browder, Denise Wilson, Carrie Bell; and 10 step great-grand children; brothers and sisters-in law; nieces and nephews. In the final year of her life, Virginia resided with and was lovingly cared for by her son Bill and daughter-in-law Rita. In addition to Bill and Rita, the family also expresses appreciation to the health professional that assisted with Virginia's care over the last five years including the staff at her assisted living, Greenbriar at the Altamont skilled nursing, CareTenders Home Health and Gentiva Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to The New Church Fund of First Presbyterian Church of Bessemer (besspres.org) or to the youth ministry at Church at Cahaba Bend (cahababend.org), where her grandson is Director of Student Ministries. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 25 from noon to 1:30 p.m., with a memorial service following at 1:30 p.m, at First Presbyterian Church in Bessemer. McCalla Memorial Funeral Home officiating. Private burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Virginia Beth "Jenny" Byram

February 23, 1924 - February 20, 2012