Theresa Arrie Byrd was born on April 12, 1922 and on Saturday, September 5, 2009 she passed away peacefully at home. She was the second of 3 daughters born to the late Clifton and Annie Mae Hall. Theresa was a lifelong resident of Long Branch and a graduate of Long Branch High School. She was predeceased by her first husband, Earl Abel, her second husband, Thomas A. Byrd and her son, Zane C. Abel, 2 sisters, Rose Mary Slough and Dorothy Mae Brabham and Susan Abel her former daughter-in-law. Theresa was nurtured and raised by her grandmother, Mrs. Arrie Copes. She was baptized at Second Baptist Church of Long Branch and she was a member of the Floral Ministry. She was also a past matron of Golden Link Chapter #24 Order of Eastern Stars, Prince Hall Affiliated, past co-chairperson of the charity committee for the Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Stars, PHA for the state of NJ and a member of the Community Action Board of Great Long Branch. She was employed by the US Army and worked for 43 years at Fort Monmouth under the Electronics Command Division as a supply cataloger prior to her retirement in 1985.
Left to treasure her life are two daughters, Earlene Abel and Melody Byrd-Alderman, son-in-law, Bradley Alderman, 3 grandchildren, Patricia Abel-Thomas, Niles Abel and Tyson Abel, 3 nephews, Gregory Daryl Brabham, Herman Brabham, Jr. and his wife Susan Guice-Brabham and Rory Brett Brabham and a host of extended family members.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit Friday from 6 pm until her funeral service at 7 pm at Second Baptist Church, 95 Liberty Street, Long Branch. Flowers will be accepted at church or donations in her memory may be made to Second Baptist Church. Condolences may be emailed to [email protected] and will be received by the family.