Helen Chaffin Byrd, 103, of 1200 9th Street, Lillington, N.C., died Sunday, June 12, 2022, at Emerald Health and Rehabilitation Center in Lillington, N.C.

Mrs. Byrd was born January 12, 1919, in Harnett County, North Carolina, and was the daughter of Leonidas Martin Chaffin, and wife, Alda Johnson Chaffin, both of Lillington, N.C.

Mrs. Byrd graduated from Lillington High School and Woman's College of the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, N.C.  Following graduation from Woman's College of the University of North Carolina, she continued her education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Mrs. Byrd was a teacher in the Harnett County Public Schools, serving as a classroom teacher and a mentor teacher in high school English for over 30 years.  She was a former member of the North Carolina Association of Educators and the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for excellence and professionalism in education.

Mrs. Byrd was a former member of the Administrative Board and Trustees of Lillington United Methodist Church., and a life-long loyal member of the church.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Byrd was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, William Hugh Byrd, a brother, Leonidas Martin (Tom) Chaffin, Jr. of Fayetteville, N.C., a brother Robert J. Chaffin, also of Fayetteville, N.C., and a granddaughter, Andrea Byrd Rainey of Buies Creek, N.C.

Mrs. Byrd is survived by her son, Samuel Martin Byrd, of Lillington, and a great granddaughter, Ashleigh Rainey Trent, of Jacksonville, Florida.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am., Friday, June 17, 2022, at Lillington United Methodist Church with the Rev. Kent Miller officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the funeral service at Lillington United Methodist Church from 12pm.-1pm. Burial will follow in Harnett Memorial Park at 1:30pm. in Lillington.

Mrs. Byrd's entire life was devoted to her family and her former high school students. She will be remembered by all who came in contact with her as a devoted mother, wife, and daughter, and a compassionate and exceptional teacher.  Her charm was highlighted by a wonderful personality, a warm smile, a keen sense of humor, and a deep concern for her former students.

Memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice.

Mrs. Byrd's family extends its appreciation for all of the care she received at Emerald Health and Rehabilitation Center.