Dorothy F. Howell Byrd, of Fultondale, won her battle with cancer on Wednesday, May 21, 2014.  She was born on January 10, 1938 in Hamilton to the late James Monroe and Simenet “Nettie” Foard Howell.

She recently retired from the city of Fultondale after 39 years of service. She retired from the Fultondale Library as head librarian in 2000 only to assist in the development and opening of the Fultondale Senior Center where she served as the director until her second retirement in 2013.

She has served on the city of Fultondale Library Board and Senior Citizen’s Advisory Board.  She was recognized and honored for her years of service by having the name of the street leading to the new library named “Byrd Lane”.

She is survived by her loving husband, Bobby W. Byrd; her children, Judy Peoples Bearden (Tim), Karon “Kay” Peoples Meacham , Kenny Peoples (Dana), Joan Byrd Harris and Gary Byrd; six sisters; one brother; ten grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, four brothers and two sisters.

She is a longtime member of Fultondale First Baptist Church where services will be held on Friday, May 23, 2014 at 1 p.m. with Rev. Mika Marcum officiating. Interment will follow at Walker Chapel Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Friday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the church. Walker Chapel Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 205-849-5000, directing.