Obituaries

Barbara Lee Byrd, age 96, of Bassett, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Stanleytown Health & Rehab. She was born on January 10, 1929, to the late Samuel Hardin Byrd and Essie Pinkard Byrd. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sons, Samuel Byrd Draper, Leslie Allen Draper, and William Robert Draper; two brothers, Lloyd Byrd and Herman Byrd; a beloved niece, Barbara Lee “Babs” Jarrett Priddy; and two great-grandchildren, Jerry Lee Draper and Sybil Kaleesi Draper.

A 1948 graduate of Bassett High School, Barbara was a devoted member of the former Bassett Memorial Methodist Church, where she served faithfully as a Youth Director, choir member, and assistant church organist. She also shared her musical gifts for many years as the organist at Bassett Funeral Service. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Town & Country Garden Club, and volunteered countless hours with the Blood Mobile, reflecting her compassionate heart and community spirit.

Barbara is lovingly survived by her son, David Lee Draper; five grandchildren, Leah Tiffany Draper, William Robert Draper, Jr., Carrie Draper Johnson, James Christopher Draper, and Samuel Wilson Draper; and ten great-grandchildren: Marrisa Lynn Bryant, Troy William Draper, Preston Lawrence Draper, Felicity Iris Draper, Piper Aurora Draper, Oliver Isaiah Draper, Cameron David Draper, Noah James Draper, and John Beck Johnson. She is also survived by her sister, Margaret B. Jarrett, along with a host of extended family and friends who will cherish her memory.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Bassett Funeral Service Chapel, with Pastor Earl E. Byrd Jr., Pastor Jim Nester, and Troy Draper officiating. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service. Interment will follow at Roselawn Burial Park.

Bassett Funeral Service is serving the Byrd family.