Mrs. Viola Birdell Landrum Byrd was born on November 3, 1925 to the parentage of the late John and Pearl Landrum and to this union eleven children were born.

At an early age, Birdell confessed Christ and became a member of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, where she participated in various organizations.

She was married to Charles Edward Byrd, who preceded her in death, for 46 years and to this union one son, Charles Ronald Byrd, was born.

She was educated in Anniston, Alabama in the public school system. She graduated from Cobb High School and received her BA degree  in education from West Virginia State College (HBCU) in 1949.

Soror Viola Byrd was a charter member of the Iota Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and a life long member of the AKA Sorority, Inc.

Mrs. Byrd's life was dedicated to teaching and establishing the young minds of the community. She taught at various schools in the community, including South Highland  and Johnston Elementary Schools, where she retired from teaching in 1984.

After her retirement, she became active in the Madelyn Howard Literary Arts Club, the Tuesday Evening Bridge Club, Dorcas Art Club and the Cheerful Givers.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her son, Charles R. (Jacqueline) Byrd; her devoted granddaughter and only caregiver, Contrisha Reddick; her grandson, Antonio (Michelle) Henderson; her other granddaughter, Andrea (Greg) Jones; her great-grandchildren, SPC Tario M. Reddick, Tanai Reddick, Angel, Taylor and Chase; her special friends, Mrs. Mozell Merritt and Mrs. Lula Carpenter; two sons adopted by love, Steve Goodson and Ulysses Goodson; and a host of other relatives and friends.