Glenda Byrd Alexander

Glenda Ann Byrd Alexander was born March 20, 1937 at her family home on Oak Street in Savannah, Tennessee, the daughter of Glenn Floyd Byrd and Anna Inez Qualls Byrd.

She left this earthly life to meet her Lord on Sunday, September 6, 2015 at Magnolia Health Center in Corinth, Mississippi with Huey, her husband of 59 years, and sons David and Paul at her side.

She was preceded in death by her father Glenn, her mother Inez, and an infant brother.

She is survived by her husband, Huey Paul Alexander of Savannah; two sons, David Len Alexander of Savannah and Paul Glenn Alexander and his wife Leanne Byrd Alexander of Three Way, Tennessee, as well as two grandchildren; Laura Alexander Moore of Arlington, Tennessee, and Jacob Paul Alexander of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Laura and her husband Grant are parents of Glenda’s two great-grandchildren, Judah Grant Moore and Henry Jordan Moore.

She attended North Elementary and was a Class of 1955 graduate of Central High School. Glenda was an excellent student and was active in band as a trombonist, in various clubs, and a member of the Quill and Scroll High School Journalist Honor Society. She received training at the Baptist School of Nursing in Memphis and worked at Hardin County General Hospital before her long career at Brown Shoe Company.

As a member of the Byrd and Qualls families, Glenda enjoyed a rich upbringing with many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins, and later her own children became part of the close culture and frequent gatherings, especially at the home of Hobart and Thelma Qualls on Riverside Drive.

Glenda and Huey were united in marriage on September 21, 1955, in Corinth. She gave birth to Paul on December 10, 1957, and David on December 20, 1962.

Glenda lived in Savannah her almost her entire life, with the exception of a move with her parents to Summerville, Georgia when she was young, then later after marriage to Flint, Michigan and Hammond, Indiana, near where Huey worked with Ford Motor Company. Glenda and her infant son Paul joined Huey in Hammond until they moved back to Savannah two years later.

As payroll manager at Brown Shoe, she was part of an energetic and lively office of fellow employees. Their tight-knit staff was like a family of its own, with a pot luck dinner club known as Brown Circle, bringing their children, during which time many lasting friendships were made.

Glenda was especially close with her mother, Inez, known as Nanny by her grandchildren. She learned from her mother to cook amazing meals and enjoyed preparing family gatherings, especially at holidays.

Inez also worked at Brown Shoe until her own retirement. She and her husband Glenn, a railroad tie inspector, lived on Main Street directly across from the factory. Paul and David spent much of their childhood years catching the school bus there at their home, making close friends in the neighborhood. Glenda would have lunch with her parents each workday.

Glenda joined East End United Methodist Church and accepted Christ as her Savior during a lay witness mission revival held at the church in 1971. She was active in choir and other church activities, including teaching Sunday School. She encouraged her sons to pursue hobbies and interests such as art, music, and sports and supported them in all activities as they grew.

Glenda retired from Brown Shoe in 1981 and enjoyed life at their farm home in Nixon, with 18 acres, cattle, a fish pond, and goats, all of which later be a place of fun and fascination for her grandchildren. The farm was close to work for Huey, who had left Wolfe Sales Company for employment at Tennessee River Pulp and Paper.

She and Huey moved to Points of Pickwick in 1995 and were among the charter residents. She was a member of the Pickwick Dam Ladies social group and along with Huey developed many friendships with their lake neighbors from Memphis, Jackson, and other areas.

Glenda’s first grandchild, Laura Leigh, was born to Paul and his wife Leanne on June 4, 1988 in Montgomery, Alabama, and she and Huey traveled there to experience the joy of the birth.

Her second grandchild, Jacob, was born to Leanne and Paul on September 17, 1992 also in Montgomery. They again came to share the excitement with their son and his family.

She relished her moments with her grandchildren, who call her Nanny, as Glenda wanted that name as a tribute to her mother. Their lake home was a place of many happy visits and holiday gatherings for them and their family. She and Huey enjoyed fishing and boating with their grandchildren during those summers.

Glenda made a significant rededication of her life to Jesus Christ in 2006, at which time both she and Huey were baptized by their son David. They joined Sharon Baptist Church as active members.

Glenda suffered various health issues during her life, the most significant being cancer, which was diagnosed in March of this year. She had previously developed back problems which led to surgeries and resultant pain and decline over the past few years.

Her granddaughter Laura was wed to Grant Moore in June 12, 2012 in Memphis and she was able to travel to and enjoy the happy event despite her health condition.

She moved to RiverWick Assisted Living in January 2013 and stayed for six months before returning home to Points of Pickwick. During that time at home, her first great-grandchild, Judah, was born to Laura and Grant on July 29, 2013 and became a new source of happiness. Over the next year, her health further declined, causing more pain and less of mobility. She returned to RiverWick in July 2014. Her second great-grandson, Henry, was born June 11 , 2015 and she was able to hold and love on him at a July 4 gathering at Paul and Leanne’s home. Judah and Henry were constantly on her mind and heart.

During her last year of life, her son David became involved daily in the care of his mother, visiting her nightly to check on her, administer her insulin, and fellowship with her. He and Huey would share Sunday lunch and other meals with her. Glenda did not take chemotherapy and had much happier and fuller final months than otherwise.

Glenda is remembered by relatives and friends as an intelligent, vibrant, and loving lady, who always made people smile. She was comfortable expressing her love and appreciation to those who knew her and was blessed with the gift of hospitality, always ready to make people feel welcome in her life.

Glenda’s love for others was extended through her support of Sharon Baptist Church and causes such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Horse Creek Wildlife, where she volunteered, Shriners Hospital for Children, and Sheltering Tree Ranch.

Her homegoing on Sunday, September 6, came peacefully as a blessing of relief and release from her pain and advancing cancer. Her family gives God the glory for several days of grace during which they stayed at her side and expressed their love and appreciation for her incredible life of unselfish love and devotion to her family and her legacy of faith.