Mrs. Gracie Harris Byrd of Chesterfield, Virginia, transitioned peacefully from this life at her home on Friday, March 28, 2025. She was preceded in death by her father, George Henry Harris; mother, Cornelia Coleman Harris Butcher; daughter, Debra Manuel Quash; brothers, Floyd, George and Raymond Harris; and her sister,  Lorraine Harris Henderson Moore.

At a young age, Gracie followed her father to Union Branch Baptist Church where she gave her life to Christ and was a faithful member, until her decline in health.

Gracie was a graduate of Carver High School Class of 1955. Carver High School was the only black high school in Chesterfield during the segregation era.

After 22 years, Gracie retired from Brown & Williamson Tobacco, Corporation. Following her retirement, she worked a variety of jobs.

While Gracie had many hobbies she loved cooking, traveling and putting puzzles together with family and friends. She bowled in many leagues and tournaments with her sister, Lorraine, other family members and friends such as John and Victoria Mayo.

Gracie leaves to celebrate her life legacy and memories: her loving husband of 26 years, Robert Byrd (step-daughters, Anita Hollimon (Aubrey) and Marguerita Parker), daughter, Cinda Brown (Alvin) and Michelle M. McKinney (Chris); her beloved son, Ray Anthony Manuel (Franchon); twelve grandchildren, Kellie, Wesley (Felicia), Andrew (Patrice), and Joy Quash. Krystal, Christopher, and Micheal McKinney, Racheal Timmons, Raven and  Raegine Manuel, Gladys Brown and Malik Richardson; fifteen great grandchildren; a brother, Bishop John L. Harris, Sr. (devoted  Rose); two sisters-in-law, Sadie and Ruth Harris; a close family friend, Rochelle Walker; devoted niece, Patricia H. Faison (Keith); devoted great niece and great nephew, Zaria and Edward Faison (LaKisha); nieces and nephews, Bishop Alroy Henderson (Carolyn), Jackie Jackson, Brenda Harris, George Harris, Craig Harris (Allison), George Mosby, Lisa Harris, Lori Johnson (Jeremy) and John L. Harris Jr (Natalie); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and close friends.

We would like to thank Bristol Hospice, devoted caregivers; her loving husband, Robert Bryd, devoted daughters, Michelle McKinney and Cinda Brown, devoted niece, Patricia Faison and special thanks to sister-in-law, Rose Harris; family friends, Diona Dabney and Dolly Lively; and devoted neighbors, Kenneth and Barbara Lewis.

Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Union Branch Baptist Church, 11519 River Road, Chesterfield, VA, the Rev. Dr. Gregory M. Howard, Pastor, the Rev. Ralland Robinson, Sr., eulogist. The interment to follow in the church cemetery.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.