Selena S. Byrd

Well family, I am here…

You’ve come to pay your respects at my homegoing—my celebration of life. My time on earth was 50 years, but don’t let the number fool you. To some, it may seem like my life was cut short, but I lived a full life. I had struggles and setbacks. I faced things some people twice my age never had to face. But give me a moment, and I’ll share a little of my story. And as you listen, remember this: you have to play the hand you’ve been dealt.

I was born to my mother, the late Mary Byrd Green, who had my sister Jacqueline and me at a young age in Greenwood, South Carolina. Life’s circumstances meant my grandparents—Thomas and Gladys Byrd—stepped in to raise us. They’ve both gone on before me, but the love and guidance they gave will never fade. Jackie and I grew up alongside our cousins, Demetria and Tiffany. But truthfully, we weren’t just cousins—we were sisters.

Life moved me from Greenwood to St. Louis. There, I lived with my mother, my brother Robert Anty—who has also gone on before me—and her husband, David Green. Robert was my brother from early on in life, and though he’s no longer here, the bond we shared will always remain.

Together, my mother and David built a family of their own, and they had three children: Bruce(Tracy), Davetta, and Cornelius. Those three became not just my siblings, but my joy.

And David—yes, you got on my nerves sometimes—but you loved me and cared for me like I was your own. For that, I respect you, and I love you.

Now let me say this—

·         Nellie: thank you for caring for me and for standing up to those doctors when they thought they knew best. I’ve always believed love isn’t what you say—it’s what you do. And you demonstrated love.

·         Davetta: I love you, girl. Hug all of my babies tight. Leo, thank you for your steady help and support.

·         Cornelius: I tried to hold on until you came home, but I had to catch the train to Glory. I love you more than you’ll ever know.

·         Bruce - Mr. Green: We’ll talk later when nobody’s listening. Just know this: I am proud of the man you’ve become, and I love you. You hug my babies too.

·         Tracy: My sister in love, thank you for standing strong and standing by my brother.

I also want to honor the rest of my family who shaped my life. My aunts—Madeline Adams, Verdie(Jerry) Klugh, Patricia Holloway, Cora Holloway, Loretta(Thomas) Lewis, and Sheila(Herman) Jackson—and my uncles—Dennis(Cathy) Byrd and the late Grady Chappell— the Late Tommy Chappell and the Late Marion Chappell stood in the gap to guide me, support me, and keep me in line. My special siblings—Antwan, David, Terry, Lawrence, Greer, Anthony, Theodore, William, and Juanita—each hold a place in my heart. And of course, to all my nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family—I love you deeply.

And Auntie Lady Bug—I’ve searched heaven high and low, but I still can’t find anybody who cooks like you! Thank you for caring for me when I needed it the most.

St. Louis became my home for nearly 30 years, and in that time, God blessed me with even more family through community and faith. I found love and friendship in my BJC family, where I gave 25+ years of service. I found strength and encouragement in my Temple of God family. And I found joy in song with my Michael Latchinson Singing Ministry family.

Yes, I could sing—maybe not like Auntie Ava, but I carried my tune the best I could!

I know what it means to fight. I’ve faced struggles, pain, and disappointment—but I never gave up. And if I ever wanted to, Mr. Green wouldn’t let me. He stood by me when doctors gave up.

When cancer tried to take me down, I went through 38 rounds of radiation. It was hard, it was painful, but I stood strong—and when it was all done, I rang that bell. That was my victory song here on earth.

Now, I’ve rung another bell—the one that says I’ve crossed over into Glory.

So don’t cry for me. Celebrate with me. My race is run. My battle is won. My faith is rewarded. I’ll be waiting for you when your time comes.

Until then—live fully, love deeply, fight the good fight, and play the cards life deals you.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 says it best

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day.”

Services will be Held, Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at the Chapel of Robinson and Son Mortuary, Inc., with Minister Brooks Bryant, Officiating and Elder Thessa Smith, presiding. Burial will follow at the Old Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in the Epworth Community. Public Viewing will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 from 3-6P.M. at Robinson and Son Mortuary. The family is at the home of her aunt and uncle Verdie (Jerry) Klugh, 408 Twisted Oak Drive (Broken Ridge Subdivision) online condolences may be sent to robson@nctv.com , services have been entrusted to Robinson and Son Mortuary, Inc. 

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