Obituary: Jana Marie Byrd

Jana (Morris) Byrd entered eternal rest May 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on Sept. 17, 1965, in Oxford, Ohio, to the late Wince and Willie C. Morris. A graduate of Talawanda High School and a lifelong servant of God, Jana was an active member of First Baptist Church where she served in the Missionary Society, Choir and Praise Dance Ministry. Her missionary trip to Mexico left an indelible mark on her heart and those she touched.

She was employed by Force Control in Hamilton, OH and Best Western in Oxford. Jana united in marriage to Anthony Byrd on May 20, 2006. Her love was deep, her smile unforgettable and her spirit eternal.

Jana is preceded in death by her parents, Wince and Willie C. Morris, sisters Delilah Morris, Cheryl Jackson, and Monica Morris, Brother-in-Love Leon Render.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Anthony Byrd, stepson, Charles Byrd, stepdaughter, Brittney Byrd, sisters; Min. Debra Burton, Sandra (John) McIntosh, Priscilla Parks, Dana Render, Bridgite (Charles, Jr.) Dickerson, Michelle Morris; brother Wince Morris; Aunt, Adell Morris, Huntsville, AL; In-Laws, Pastor Darryl L. Jackson, Dr. Terriel (Toni) Byrd, Derriel (Cathy) Byrd, Sharon (Ken) Wireback, and Karen (Rodney) Gibson, godsons, Jarrod Morris and DeMarcus Dickerson, “daughter,” Bri McIntosh, goddaughter, Taylor Jones, 11 nieces and nephews, 11 great-nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A visitation will take place at Ambassador Pointe Church, 5450 College Corner Pike, Oxford, Ohio 45056 on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 9:30-11 a.m. with funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at Woodside Cemetery. 

This obituary was originally published by Paul R. Young Funeral Home and has been edited for length.