To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV

&

Mercedes "Topsy" Stevens Byrd was born May 28, 1953, in the community of Trade Hill, GA, to the union of the late Sarah Elizabeth Lowe and Arthur "Kidd" Stevens. Upon the passing of her mother, at the age of seven Mercedes went to live with Mary C. and Nathaniel Hughes (Great Aunt and Great Uncle-in-law). She joined sisters Rose and Irene in the home. She was baptized into membership of the Sunbury Missionary Baptist Church under the Pastorship of Reverend C.S. Johnson. She continued in fellowship with the Lord until her death by faithfully attending and supporting the church for more than 60 years. In fact, she observed her final communion service the day before her death.

Mercedes was a 1971 honor graduate of Liberty County High School and enrolled in Savannah State College; however, marriage and raising a family caused her to put her studies on hold. She attended class reunions, activities, and homegoing services of classmates throughout the years.

Mercedes worked many years for the Coastal Utilities Telephone Company before returning to Savannah State University (SSU) to complete her degree. She was awarded a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) in 1996 and embarked on a journey to improve the social functioning of individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. She was employed at Gateway Community Service Board, Georgia Regional Hospital, and the Tidelands Center for several years after receiving her BSW. In her quest for self-improvement, she returned to SSU, earned a Master of Social Work in 2002, and successfully passed her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) exam. Equipped with the credentials and skills to serve in a higher capacity, she went to work for the Department of Army at Tuttle Army Health Clinic and later moved to Winn Army Community Hospital. Mercedes was a stellar professional lending herself to improve the lives of soldiers and their families. As stated by former patients, "she will always find a way to help us." Her winning smile and her willingness to help others endeared her to all whose paths she crossed.

Mercedes dearly loved her sons and granddaughters; she would regularly brag on them and their endeavors. Upon the passing of her sister Elaine, she took an active role in her sister's son, Andrew's, life. She was affectionately known as "Topsy" to close family, friends, and members of the community. Topsy had various hobbies and enjoyed sharing the fruits of those hobbies with others.

On Monday morning, June 19, 2023, Mercedes entered eternal rest. Mercedes was preceded in death by her parents Sarah Lowe Stevens and Arthur "Kidd" Stevens; foster parents Mary Celia Hughes and Nathaniel Hughes; brother James A. Stevens; sisters Cornelia S. Hines and Elaine S. Rhodes.

She leaves to rejoice in her life, two loving sons, James J. Byrd (Bree) Sandy Springs, GA; Brian M. Byrd (Kimberly) McDonough, GA; one bonus son, Charles Andrew Bitten, II, Statesboro, GA; three sisters, Rose S. Mullice, Midway, GA; Irene S. Ward (Randolph) Richmond Hill, GA; and Charlotte S. Merritt (Charlie) Bonaire, GA; one brother, Wendell L. Stevens (Joyce) Philadelphia, PA; a paternal aunt, Carol Stevens Schoonmaker (Paul) Claryville, NY; 4 grandchildren, Christiauna Owens, Aria, Kaitlyn, and Riley Byrd; the father of her sons, Deacon Eugene L. Byrd, Midway, GA; and one godson Christopher D. Hammonds, Atlanta, GA. Auntie Topsy will live on in the memories of numerous nieces and nephews. Auntie Topsy had a special way of making them feel as if they were all her favorite. She will be remembered by a host of other relatives, friends, members of the class of '71, and current/former co-workers.

I wrote your name

In the sky,

But the wind blew it away.

I wrote your name

In the sand,

And the waves washed it away.

I wrote your name

In my heart.

and forever it will stay.