Byrtie passed away unexpectedly during the early morning hours of August 17, 2021 without pain or suffering, at her residence in Savannah, GA. Byrtie had become a frequent participant in gatherings on the porch in the Savannah Square retirement community and enjoyed sharing stories of her life in Mississippi and her children, and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had enjoyed one last such gathering just a few hours before her death.
During her life, she was always active in her local church: teaching Sunday school, guiding Bible knowledge competitions, or being of service to those in need. She was an excellent seamstress and was known on occasion to sew a new dress for her daughter, Debbie, before school in the morning. Her chocolate banana puddings were the highlight of many family reunions, and she was always ready to serve up homemade ice cream for youth gatherings after Sunday night church meetings and other gatherings of friends and neighbors. She was loved and adored by many from all walks of life.
First and foremost, Byrtie was an exemplary Christian mother and a dedicated partner to her late husband of 57 years, Prentiss H. McLemore, Jr.
Byrtie is survived by her son, Donald McLemore (Mary) of Tybee Island, GA; her daughter, Deborah Ryals (Allen), of Ponchatoula, LA; her son, A. David McLemore (Onzla) of Las Vegas, NV; her brothers, John Smith (Alice) and Roger Rolison (Linda) of Clarke County, MS. Byrtie also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren.
Byrtie was predeceased by her husband; her mother, Velma Smith Rolison; brothers, James Smith, Luther Smith, Rufus (“Bud”) Smith, Gerald Smith; and sisters Madelyn (Polly Rolison) Milstead, Agnes (Smith) Wilkins, Alma “(Sis” Smith) Pulley, and Marie (Smith) Miletello.
A private family graveside will be held at Union Baptist Church cemetery.
