Onaida Byrn

Visitation will be Saturday at White-Ranson Funeral Home from 11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m. A graveside service will follow at 2 at East View Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at a future date at Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, once family is able to convene from out-of-town. Details will be forthcoming.
Memorials may be sent to Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, where Onaida was the oldest living member; or to Reelfoot Rural Ministries, where she was proud of her daughter, Beth’s, lifelong dedication.She was born April 4, 1924, in Elbridge and was the seventh of nine children born to the late John and Ruth (Hailey) King. Her husband of 48 years, David Byrn, preceded her in death in July of 1995.
Onaida was a dedicated Christian who loved her church, family, friends — and life in general. She was always active in church, from serving as president of the women’s group to performing as Minnie Pearl during the church HeeHaw show. Onaida was an active member of the Troy Order of the Eastern Star for many years. “Grandma” was never happier than when she was spending time with family, so it’s fitting that she spent her last weekend at Abby’s wedding dancing with her usual sparkle in her eye. As an avid sports fan — specifically the St. Louis Cardinals and the Lady Volunteers — her favorite gifts included any team paraphernalia. This passion was partly due to her place on the former Cloverdale High School’s West Tennessee basketball championship team in 1942. She also loved history, and she and her husband were instrumental in producing the Obion County History Volumes I and II.
Aunt Toad, as she was known by many, thanks to a childhood nickname, was preceded in death by her son John Samuel Byrn. She is survived by two children, David “Monte” Byrn and Beth Brown, both of Union City, as well as her son-in-law, Phil Brown, and daughter-in-law, Juanita Byrn. Her three grandchildren are Abby (Brown) Bosse of Reston, Va.; Bridgid (Brown) Harding of Nashville; and Laya ByrnZhan of Atlanta. She is also survived by two sisters, Woodyn Muse of Troy and Marlyn Tyler of Jackson, Miss.
Condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home website: www.white-ranson.com.