Kathy Sue Popplewell Byrd, 72, passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026. She was born in Grundy County, IL on June 25, 1954, daughter to the late Carson Lee Popplewell and Clotine Richardson Scheffle. She is also preceded in death by her infant daughter, Sabrina Jean, and sister, Brenda Popplewell.

A private memorial service to celebrate Kathy’s life will be held in Kentucky at a later date.

Kathy is survived by her three sons, Sean Byrd (Olivia), Franklin Byrd (Jamie), and Tommy Byrd (Jennifer), two daughters, Johnnie McCrorey (Mark) and Katy Byrd (Anthony), two sisters, Carol Thomas and Rhonda Haymaker.

Kathy was a fun-loving, deeply devoted mother and grandmother who spent much of her life caring for others. A proud homemaker for more than 25 years, she created a home where people felt welcomed, loved and cared for. Her generous spirit extended well beyond her own family.

She was the kind of person who would help anyone, without judgement, and had a way of making people feel accepted just as they were. She gave her time as a PTA volunteer with the Monroe High School wrestling team, and was also known to many as a caregiver, housekeeper and a familiar, friendly server at O’Charley’s.

Kathy found joy in flowers, plants, power walking, and working in the garden, but the role she treasured most was being Mom and Grandma. She loved her children deeply and unconditionally and was immensely proud of the family she created.

Her children will remember her as love in human form–loving, giving and always willing to care for someone who needed it. Her greatest legacy lives on in her children, and grandchildren, in the love she gave them, and in the way they will continue to love and care for one another.

She was the loving grandmother of six grandchildren, Brandon, Carson, Taylor, Aiden, Mason and Autumn.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112, is honored to be entrusted to care for the Byrd Family.